Working Mother
They learn foreign languages, how to use a computer, they also take vocational training courses. Programmes designed especially for mothers are becoming increasingly more common and are often funded in part by the EU. Among women in the 25-34 age group who are unemployed, approximately 75 percent are taking care of their children. The “Mother at work” study conducted last year by a group of sociologists from Lódź University revealed that women are concerned that it will be too difficult for them to meet job requirements and find ample time to care for their children at the same time. They are also worried about the potential difficulties of finding a job resulting from their lack of knowledge and at the same time feel that finding a baby sitter would not be an easy task. Women who wish to return to work should seek financial aid from the European Union as there are increasingly more programmes designed especially for them.
The Wrocław “Job in vogue” project includes a session with a psychologist and a meeting with a job counsellor. Another programme in Wrocław offers workshops that focus on confidence-building for job interviews, vocational training and computer courses. The “Women zone” project which began in Warsaw in January has quickly attracted much interest. Unemployed mothers are the target, as are women over 45 years of age. Participants will have the opportunity to take English and computer courses, they can also expect plenty of guidance and advice from job consultants and psychologists. The organisers have also promised to reimburse all babysitter costs. One of the coordinators of the programme explains that “the schedule is 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. This set-up aims to prepare women for a regular workday, make their transition back to work easier and ensure that they will have enough time to put their newly-acquired skills to use while they are still taking part in the course”. Global Training Centre has the most experience in assisting women in making the successful return to work – their project was put into operation back in 2006. The company’s statistics show that over 60 percent of those who participated do return to work, some even decide to set up their own businesses. When asked about the most valuable thing the course has given them, most women mention “the huge boost in confidence”.
Metro
