EGAL-VET - Equal Access, Equal Opportunities: Advancing Gender Equality in VET Institutions across the Western Balkans

EGAL-VET addresses persistent gender disparities in the vocational education and training (VET) sector across the Western Balkans, focusing on fostering inclusive and equitable VET systems in North Macedonia, Kosovo and Albania. The consortium of 8 partners aspires to advance gender equality by combining expertise in education, gender equality, and policy development. EGAL-VET aligns with the EU Gender Equality Strategy 2020–2025 and the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans. The project tackles systemic barriers such as entrenched gender stereotypes and limited female representation in VET leadership aiming at enhancing the capacity of educators and administrators and promoting women in decision making roles within the VET ecosystems through an innovative and evidence-based approach. The EGAL-VET project focuses on key horizontal priorities, such as inclusion and diversity as a cornerstone of equitable education and training systems and civic engagement by empowering women to take leadership roles in shaping VET institutions. The project also addresses critical thematic priorities, including improving the quality and relevance of VET through gender-sensitive quality assurance mechanisms (Quality assurance mechanisms), fostering inclusion and equity by reducing gender disparities (VET teachers/trainers professional development), and promoting collaboration between VET providers, public authorities, and NGOs to address gender inequality comprehensively (Public Private Dialogue and Partnerships in VET). Key activities include conducting gender-sensitive audits in VET institutions, training 150 VET professionals, establishing Gender Equality Committees and produce Gender Action plans in four VET institutions. Campaigns will reach over 1M people, raising awareness of gender equality and fostering civic engagement. Cross-border cooperation and knowledge exchange through mobility schemes in Greece and Belgium will enhance the project's regional impact.