Equal-Works

The transnational partnership has been working on

• exchange of experience of childcare sector development - resulting in a best practice handbook
• information on different systems of childcare financing - resulting in a report
• exchanging experience and support methodologies for third sector business start-ups and childcare business start-ups-resulting in a collection of case studies
• experience and practice of minority language childcare provision - resulting in a comparative report
• shared events for dissemination and mainstreaming

The purpose of the French EQUAL project’s work is to support women to:

• Access self-employment or paid work by removing barriers to work-life balance
• Experience improved working conditions as care attendants (who are mostly women) better sharing of family and education responsibilities for families composed of two parents
  who are both working.

The principle of equal access to work for men and women exists and is recognised. However, in reality there is a gap between this principle and its implementation. The French EQUAL project’s work will result in a better awareness for sharing family and education responsibilities for families composed of two parents who are both working.

The purpose of the Italian EQUAL project’s work is to:

• Favour access to the labour market for men and women in the sector of social services for children
• Raise the awareness of public opinion with regard to a new concept of equal opportunities

The Italian EQUAL project’s work will include:

• The development of training, with practical activities and ‘on the job’ training for
  trainees at childcare settings
• The setting up of nurseries in companies, public and private offices
• The production of a TV and radio social commercial for the mainstreaming of the new
  concept of equal opportunities

The purpose of the Estonian EQUAL project’s work is to contribute to the harmonisation of family and work through the creation of more accessible, flexible and good quality childcare services, which allow parents who have been unable to work due to the lack of childcare possibilities to return to the labour market.

The Estonian EQUAL project’s work will result in an increase in employment of parents
(mainly mothers) through the creation of a flexible childcare system in Estonia by:

• A 50% improvement in the knowledge of Estonian parents, local governments and the
  public about the nature and possibility of creating alternative childcare options
• Creation of a playroom in Põlva which will be utilised by at least 80% of the permitted
  capacity
• Developing at least 10 legal family daycare providers in Estonia, whose services will
  be utilised by at least 80% of the permitted capacity
• Reintegration into the labour market 60% of parents who use the created alternative
  childcare options
• Creation of at least 13 new jobs for women (at least 10 family daycare providers and 3
  employees in the Põlva playroom).