Materahub is proud to open a new chapter of its journey through a strategic partnership with Ondamind and Nina APS for the launch of Empow(H)ER: a bold and socially impactful initiative designed to combat intersectional gender discrimination in the workplace.
This collaboration stems from the successful selection of the project under the call POWER (Promoting Organisations Empowerment Women’s Human Rights) of the CERV 2023 Daphne programme, with Nina APS as the project lead.
Starting in October 2025, Empow(H)ER – Workplace Inclusion and Integrated Support for Women Victims of Violence and LGBTQIAP+ People in Vulnerable Situations will tackle the complex challenges of workplace inclusion for those in particularly vulnerable conditions, especially women affected by intersectional gender-based violence and members of the LGBTQIAP+ community.
What sets this project apart is its integrated, innovative approach: combining mindfulness practices with creative and cultural sector strategies to develop holistic support pathways.
These pathways aim not only to build professional skills but also to enhance psychological well-being and personal resilience and, ultimately, to support meaningful, long-term social and professional reintegration, while raising awareness and promoting prevention of violence and discrimination.
Strategic Objectives with Tangible Impact
The project’s activities will focus on three pilot regions — Belluno, Imperia, and Matera — chosen for their strategic relevance and potential for scalable impact. These areas will serve as testbeds for targeted actions that can inform similar efforts nationwide. However, the strategic ambition of Empow(H)ER is to create a profound and measurable impact, both locally and across regions by designing a shared intervention model that can be adapted and adopted by communities beyond the project’s pilot areas.
This model will combine legal, psychological, and vocational support to help survivors of violence and discrimination rebuild their autonomy and gain access to meaningful employment.
Through this integrated and replicable approach, the project aims to promote long-term social reintegration and pave the way for structural change in how inclusion is understood and practiced in the world of work.
A key element of the initiative lies in building strong collaborations between local authorities, civil society organisations, and private sector actors. By drawing on existing successful practices and creating opportunities for knowledge-sharing, the project aims to enhance coordination and create more effective, personalised pathways to inclusion for those most at risk of marginalisation. At its core, the project is committed to strengthening the ability of professionals and organisations to recognise and address intersectional gender discrimination in the workplace.
The upcoming launch of Empow(H)ER stands as a powerful testament to the shared commitment of Materahub, Ondamind, and Nina APS to building a more inclusive and equitable future. We firmly believe that through collaboration, creativity, and innovative thinking, we can help shape a world of work where everyone, regardless of gender identity, background, or circumstance, has the opportunity to thrive, free from violence and discrimination.
