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EmpowerHer: Female Leadership for Sustainable Development
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Date:
1 Sep 2023 - 31 Oct 2024
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Financed by:
Nordic Council of Ministers
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Project duration:
01.09.2023 - 31.10.2024
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Partners:
LIDERE, Fremtenkt, ABBA
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Leader:
CASE
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Agnieszka Kulesa
Lead Social Sciences Researcher
Dr Agnieszka Kulesa is the Lead Social Sciences Researcher at CASE. She supports business development and oversees and contributes to research and analytical projects. Having joined CASE in 2018 as an economist, she served as Vice-President of the Management Board from 2021 to 2024. Agnieszka has authored or co-authored numerous publications, including peer-reviewed articles and reports for European institutions such as the European Commission (EC), the European Parliament (EP), the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) and the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC).
Projects from this author:
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The future of UK-EU cooperation on Justice and Home Affairs from the perspective of Poland
This project examines the future of United Kingdom–European Union cooperation in Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) through an in-depth case study of Poland. It frames UK–EU relations as an evolving, practical partnership shaped by shared risks and operational needs rather than purely by post-Brexit institutional arrangements.
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Study to analyse national sick leave policies and their impacts on workers’ health and productivity to identify best practices for workers and businesses
The project involves carrying out a comparative study of national sick leave policies in the European Union. It focuses on analysing sick leave policies and their impacts on workers’ health and productivity, with the aim of identifying best practices for workers and businesses.
- Drivers of involuntary part-time employment in the EU
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The future of UK-EU cooperation on Justice and Home Affairs from the perspective of Poland
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Agnieszka Maj
Economist
Projects from this author:
- How local and regional authorities support the recognition and development of geographical indications in their territory
- Study on “The role of local and regional authorities and decentralised cooperation in fragile settings: building on the Nicosia Initiative in Libya”
- Study on the ‘Repercussions of US agri-food tariffs on EU regions’
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Joanna Starczewska
Training Specialist
Joanna is a psychologist and a trainer. She is responsible for CASE training projects
Projects from this author:
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Fact or Fiction: Developing Inquiry and Critical Thinking Skills in Youth
Our mission is to inspire youth aged 12-19 to practice intelligent disobedience—doing what’s right despite pressures. Our main objective is to equip adolescents with the skills to confidently navigate the rapidly evolving digital environment and develop key competencies and digital resilience for independent functioning in adulthood. The project will be based on the participatory approach to ensure our workshop scenarios are evidence-based and address the real needs of today's youth and educators. Outputs’ testing and implementation will equip participants with essential critical thinking skills for navigating a complex online world. On-site and international online multiplier events will ensure widespread dissemination of our activities and results, amplifying the impact among adolescents and educators. Participants will explore social impact, cognitive biases, and topics like economics and online culture, sharpening their ability to distinguish facts from opinions. Educators will gain insights into digital education tools and strategies for nurturing students’ CT and information verification skills. Deliverables include 18 CT workshops for youth, supported by a report with themed scenarios and exercises for integrating CT skills into daily lessons.
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FUTURE FOR ALL – Advancing Cross-Generational Collaboration through Futures Literacy (FFA)
The primary objective of the “FUTURE FOR ALL - Advancing Cross-Generational Collaboration through Futures Literacy (FFA)” project is to encourage active participation of citizens in the life of their respective neighborhoods with a specific emphasis on promoting intergenerational cooperation. The project addressed to elderly and youth residing in youth sociotheraphy centres (and the educators of the respective groups) identifies specific objectives: Face social problems between generations and contributing to lifelong learning Fight stereotypes, improve mutual knowledge and understanding Transfer of knowledge between Norway and Poland, and exchange of experience in applying futures thinking tools in working with intergenerational group Equip seniors and (socially maladjusted) youth with Futures Literacy tools to help them achieve developmental goals for their life stage Raise awareness of the local environment and a sense of responsibility, and agency to improve it To achieve these goals, the project intend to leverage the innovative approach of Futures Literacy to empower and engage the two crucial demographics. Futures Literacy is a concept and methodology developed by the UNESCO that presents an altered perspective on how to perceive and engage with the future (UNESCO, n.a.). It is a cognitive skill and a framework designed to enhance one’s capacity to comprehend, navigate and shape the complex and uncertain nature of the future. Apart from Futures Literacy approach the project will use additional activities designed to address key issues and encourage intergenerational collaboration such as: anti-stereotype and integrational workshops to provide a platform for both generations to openly discuss and challenge stereotypes that may hinder effective collaboration and understanding Urban Game Design: The elderly will take the lead in designing an urban game for the youth, offering them an opportunity to explore and connect with the city they know from a different perspective Planting activity: A shared activity of planting flowers will be organised to foster active citizenship and environmental awareness among the groups. Intergenerational trip: Organisation of a day trip to a museum or a concert chosen by either the elderly or the youth hold immense potential for interesting experiences among the participants The activities planned in the project support intergenerational cooperation, leverage the strengths of different age groups, creating a synergy that is particularly relevant in the context of modern world. By promoting understanding, collaboration, and mutual support among generations we can collectively adapt to and address the complex challenges of today’s rapidly changing world. The project will also strengthen bilateral cooperation between Poland and Norway in the area of building social capital in local communities. It will be achieved by a Polish and a Norwegian organisation that will combine their experiences in supporting active citizenship in their various environments and by using their different areas of expertise. Funding: Fund for Bilateral Relations, hereinafter referred to as the “FBR” the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism 2014-2021 and Norwegian Financial Mechanism 2014-2021 Project Leader: CASE Project Partner: Fremtenkt
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Start-up your idea! Nurturing entrepreneurship in Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic
Project description: The main objective of the project was to nurture the entrepreneurship mindset, abilities and skills of both foreign and native residents of Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic and to empower them. The project helped its participants to have better access to and be more competitive in the labour market and the digital economies, … Continued
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Fact or Fiction: Developing Inquiry and Critical Thinking Skills in Youth
04.03.2024 – Futures Literacy as a Leadership Skill
The first webinar focused on the “Future of Leadership” using Futures Liceracy methods. Participants went through various phases – from critique (examples of undesirable leadership), to desirable and probable leadership models, ultimately shifting perspectives toward a vision of leadership free from traditional hierarchy. The session was led by Sveinung Sivertsen, representing Fremtenkt, our Norwegian project partner.
16.04.2024 – ESG and Sustaibable Development
The second webinar was dedicated to ESG reporting and was conducted by Anna Szklarz and Joanna Broda. We thank them for sharing extensive knowledge, specific examples, and clarifying the complex but important reporting procedure, which many entrepreneurs are now preparing for. The new regulations open broad development opportunities, especially for women, who are increasingly participating in training and preparations for implementing ESG.
9.05.2024 – Women in Leadership
The final webinar provided the participants with valuable opportunities to explore topics related to gender equity and leadership.
During the session, Katarzyna Karwan, Regional People Partner at Bolt, shared insights on the gender pay gap and discussed the steps companies are taking to bridge this disparity. However, the conversation extended beyond the issue of pay inequality. Participants examined the authority gap and the confidence gap—challenges that disproportionately impact women, including prominent leaders worldwide. Figures such as Hillary Clinton and former Irish President Mary McAleese, for instance, are still often perceived as less charismatic than their male peers.
The webinar shed light on how women frequently present their achievements more modestly, despite having skills and competencies equal to, or even surpassing, those of men. This gathering also provided a valuable opportunity for participants to reflect on their personal beliefs and subconscious biases, which can shape self-perception and influence professional interactions.
Additionally, attendees gained insights into best practices that foster inclusivity and gender balance within the workplace, encouraging a more equitable and supportive professional environment.
The summer school
For four days, we welcomed a group of talented, motivated young women eager to learn, gain experience, and reflect on their professional futures. Throughout the program, participants engaged in a range of impactful activities. They tested their skills in a personalized coaching session, engaged in discussions with accomplished female leaders, and participated in a workshop inspired by the Futures Literacy Lab. They also examined the implications of whistleblowing regulations, identified and strengthened their leadership skills, developed key leadership competencies, and explored the vibrant city of Warsaw.
We’re grateful for these meaningful exchanges and enthusiastically support the participants in their future endeavors.
Some of the activities inculded:
A coaching session with Luiza Chrzanowska, MBA, PCC ICF, and a workshop on gender balance in the workplace led by Karalina Saŭka. Also the young female leaders from Poland, Latvia, and Belarus met with the CASE team, who developed the EmpowerHer! project. They shared insights and experiences with CASE leaders Agnieszka Kulesa, Zuzanna Stańska, Magdalena Wiśniewska, and external experts Luiza Chrzanowska and Katarzyna Karwan from Bolt.
A workshop titled “Is it Worth Blowing the Whistle?”, led by our trainers Joanna Starczewska and Zuzanna Stańska. Participants created empathy maps and envisioned possible futures for 2035 using futures literacy tools.
These four days were filled with valuable learning, self-reflection, and inspiration, providing a strong foundation for the participants’ journeys as future leaders.
Photos
