WHOW Project Empowers Young Mothers through Comprehensive Training and Job Shadowing in Porto

Porto, August 2024 – RightChallenge, as part of the European Union-funded Women Home Working (WHOW) project, recently held two enriching events to support young mothers, aged 14 to 25, by boosting their employability and personal development.

These initiatives focused on soft skills, digital literacy, and fostering community connections, empowering participants to navigate both their professional and family responsibilities.

The first event, a Coaching, Soft Skills, and Integration Workshop, was delivered in three weekly online sessions from February 28 to March 13. Tailored specifically for young mothers balancing personal and professional demands, this course focused on self-esteem, communication, time management, and parenting skills, helping participants cultivate essential life skills.

The course concluded with career development training, encouraging participants to explore flexible work options, including remote and self-employment opportunities.

Although challenges such as childcare demands and diverse participant needs were noted, the workshop achieved significant outcomes: many participants reported heightened self-confidence, improved interpersonal communication, and a renewed sense of professional potential​. The second part of the training, Discovering and Mastering Digital Tools for Sustainable Integration, aimed to enhance participants’ digital literacy and office skills for the labor market.

This online course covered essential digital tools and provided participants with practical knowledge to improve their employability. Feedback indicated that participants felt more confident in using digital tools and gained valuable skills for entering or advancing in the workforce. However, issues with technology access and childcare remained areas for potential improvement in future sessions​.

On March 20, the Job Shadowing event at the Primeiros Passos Project in Gaia provided young mothers with practical insights from professionals in fields like psychology, social services, and education.

Through presentations, Q&A sessions, and discussions, participants gained valuable knowledge to help manage personal and professional responsibilities effectively. The session also fostered a supportive network among participants, creating a community that encouraged open exchange and mutual learning​.

These WHOW project activities exemplify a holistic approach to supporting young mothers, equipping them with skills that foster personal growth and economic empowerment while addressing the unique challenges they face.