WIN Project Policy Briefs: Connecting Gender Equality and Competitiveness in Danube Industrial Regions

PA08 – Competitiveness of Enterprises
Connecting Competitiveness and Gender Equality in Danube Industrial Regions

This policy brief addresses the link between enterprise competitiveness and gender equality in the Danube Region's industrial areas. Women make up a significant, often highly skilled, part of the workforce, yet remain underrepresented in STEM, R&D, and entrepreneurship. The brief identifies four structural challenges: misalignment between education and labour market needs, women's underrepresentation in technical and leadership roles, uneven awareness of gender-specific barriers in education-to-employment transitions, and obstacles to labour market (re-)entry. Recommendations focus on inclusive recruitment practices, mentoring and support networks for women, and embedding gender equality more systematically into competitiveness and innovation policies.

You can read the full document here.

PA09 – People & Skills
Connecting Skills, Labour Market Access and Gender Equality in Danube Industrial Regions

This brief examines the connection between skills systems, labour market access, and gender equality. It highlights that gender inequalities are closely tied to territorial labour market structures and weak alignment between skills systems and regional economic realities. Key challenges include spatially constrained labour markets, training provision that doesn't match local demand, and limited local uptake of gender equality frameworks. Recommendations include recognising women in industrial regions as a context-specific vulnerable group, strengthening flexible and lifelong learning systems, and integrating gender equality into spatial and regional development policy.

You can read the full document here.

PA10 – Institutional Capacities & Cooperation
Connecting Governance, Participation & Gender in Danube Industrial Regions

This brief focuses on the role of governance and institutional capacity in tackling gender inequalities in the labour market. It argues that policy effectiveness depends on the capacity of public institutions, coordination across governance levels, and civil society involvement. Key challenges include fragmented governance structures, limited coordination between local, regional and national actors, and effective local initiatives that stay project-based rather than being scaled up. Recommendations call for strengthening municipal and institutional capacities, promoting transnational exchange between regions, and deepening cooperation with women's organisations and other stakeholders.

You can read the full document here.