WIN INNOVATION GROUP - Meeting in Leoben

From challenges to solutions: Women in the focus of the Styrian Iron Road (VESTE)

On September 26. 2024, the first meeting of the WIN Innovation Group took place at the KulturQuartier in Leoben. This group aims to develop tailor-made project ideas targeting women in the VESTE regions. It was particularly pleasing that 14 women took part in the meeting. The participants came from a wide range of sectors, including representatives from industry, education and politics, discussing the challenges facing women in industrial areas in an open atmosphere.

The meeting opened with a keynote by Dr. Harfst from the University of Graz, in which he pointed out that women in this region still predominantly work in part-time and low-paid sectors, while well-paid technical professions, particularly in the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), are dominated by men. However, changing these unequal structures is crucial for the future and the economic progress of the region.

The World Café method then offered participants the opportunity to develop concrete solutions in intensive discussion rounds. They discussed how women can better develop their professional potential and what structural changes are necessary to achieve greater equality in the labor market. It became clear that it is not just about creating jobs and childcare places, but also about access to networks and mentoring programs that actively support women. 

The next meetings of the WIN Innovation Group are already scheduled for November and December. The Styrian Iron Road Association (VESTE) and the University of Graz are looking forward to further exchange and cooperation. Only through dialog and the active involvement of local people can sustainable developments towards more economic participation for women in peripheral regions be achieved.