The Chamber network at the service of female entrepreneurship Turin, Italy 14 July 2006

Who are we?  A network of women and men working in European CCIs  National Chamber Associations  Regional and Local Chambers

OUR MEMBERS 44 National Chamber Organisations

THE NETWORK 120,000,000 Employees +1,950 Chambers of Commerce 44 National Chamber Organisations +18,873,000 Enterprises

Why EWN?  The need for more women in the economic environment  Women have specific problems – specific solutions are needed  Fruitful activities by CCIs at local/ regional/ national level, but lack of exchange at European level

What are our objectives?  Contribute to long-term economic growth  Foster equal opportunity rights  Address the specific needs of working women

What have we already achieved?  EU-wide projects (supported by the European Commission)  Better understanding of women in business’ issues  Stereotype-busting survey  Concrete tools to help (young) women in different situations

Women in Business and in Decision-Making

Women in Business and in Decision-Making – good practices  I comitate per la promozione dell’imprenditoria femiline (IT)  Women’s Cooperative Bank (CY)  Career Counselling Guide (GR)  «E trifft U» - start up meets entrepreneur (DE)

Women in Decision-Making Positions

Survey results  Business = male affair  Man = career  Woman = household & children  A question of credibility  Lack of confidence in capabilities  Lack of self-confidence  Women and decision-making

Remedies  A different approach from primary school onwards  Promotion of role models in the media  Encouragement at school to go into male sectors/jobs  Better career counselling/more information about jobs and sectors

Talent Check results: people across Europe have used this tool:  useful to find out more about their professional preferences Mentoring programme results: Mentees have reported back positive effects:  Personal development; enhancement self-esteem and professional motivation; defined professional goals and understanding the importance of networking The role models brochure: 39 portraits of female entrepreneurs analysed:  How to make your way in a male dominated sector  Common points: female intuition and determination

EUROCHAMBRES Women Network Contact details: Birgit Arens Tel: