HERA | Empowering women 45+ 

HERA | Empowering Women 45+ 

Under the European policy experimentation Erasmus+ call, an innovative project is officially launched this March 2025, to empower women 45+ through reskilling and lifelong learning. 

HERA (Helping Empower Women through Reskilling and Advancement) is designed to increase the participation of women aged 45+ in adult education, fostering inclusion, social cohesion, and economic growth in the face of rapid digital and green transitions. By developing local ecosystems – known as HERA Labs – the project will create collaborative environments where women, alongside public and private sector stakeholders, can assess their skills, co-develop tailored upskilling and reskilling pathways, and prepare for jobs in sectors facing skills shortages. 

The HERA methodology combines Innovation Hubs, Living Labs, and Mutual Aid Groups, creating a human-centric, self-sustaining support system that enables women to take charge of their career transitions. These local ecosystems will be piloted in seven regions across Europe, bringing together women seeking employment or career shifts, educational institutions, industry leaders, policymakers, and community organisations. 

To scale its impact, HERA will develop a virtual Community Portal using AI technology. This online platform will offer personalised skills assessments, career pathway guidance, and access to lifelong learning opportunities, ensuring that the project’s benefits extend beyond its initial pilot regions.

Policy impact and European commitment

HERA will drive policy change to close the gender gap in employment by equipping women 45+ with future-ready skills. Aligned with the European Skills Agenda, the European Pillar of Social Rights, and the New European Agenda for Adult Education 2021-2030, the project will engage policymakers at all levels to transform findings into actionable policy recommendations.

HERA’s evidence-based results will influence policies for wider implementation across regions, sectors and vulnerable groups. Through collaboration with policymakers, civil society and key stakeholders, the project will contribute to addressing labour shortages in high-demand sectors. This project will culminate with the publication of the final HERA Methodology and the finalisation and implementation of the Policy Recommendations.

“Empowering women 45+ through reskilling is not just about changing careers – it is about changing lives. It is about health, well-being, and equity. It is about unlocking potential, fostering confidence, and shaping a future where every woman, at any stage in life, can thrive. Through lifelong learning, we build inclusion, economic independence, and a society where every woman has the opportunity to rise, adapt, and lead in a rapidly evolving world.”

Sónia Dias, HERA’s Coordinator (Dean of the NOVA National School of Public Health)

The HERA project | Helping Empower Women through Reskilling and Advancement is coordinated by NOVA University in Portugal and brings together 10 partner organisations and 18 associated partners from eight European countries (Portugal, Greece, Spain, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden and Cyprus) to address gender disparities in employment and skills development.

The HERA project | Helping Empower Women through Reskilling and Advancement is an Erasmus+ program implemented by 10 partners from different European countries: NOVA National School of Public Health & SHINE 2Europe, Lda (Portugal), iED – Institute of Entrepreneurship Development & WHEN | Equity, Empowerment, Change (Greece), CETEM – Technology Centre of Furniture and Wood of the Region of Murcia (Spain), Ainigma Technologies (Belgium), Cosvitec Societa Consortile ARL (Italy), Bk Plus Europe Ltd (Cyprus), Reshaping Work Foundation – Stichting Reshaping Work (Netherlands), and WomenInTech Alliance (Sweden).