Empowering Young People to Achieve Equal Pay for Equal Work: WeEmpower Capacity Building Training successfully held in Belgrade

The WeEmpower project’s capacity-building training on achieving equal pay for equal work concluded last week in Belgrade, leaving a lasting impact on its participants. Over the course of four days, members of business, public, and civil sectors, young people, NGO representatives, and experts from across the region gathered to deepen their understanding of gender (in)equality in the workplace and equip themselves with the tools and strategies to advocate for equal pay and adequate wages.

The training kicked off with ice-breaker introduction games through which the participants learned first-hand what stereotypical assumptions others have about them when getting to know each other. Gender, age, body posture, style of dressing and other physical characteristics are what we first evaluate others and draw conclusions about them.

Sunčica Brnardić, Executive Secretary for Labor Law and the Labor Market at the UATUC, brought a comprehensive overview of the legal landscape surrounding gender equality in pay. Dianna Descovich, CEO at Inc.Q and President of MODE1, highlighted EU legislation regarding the Pay Transparency Directive and showcased successful examples of good practices. Participants also engaged in an interactive workshop with a real-life case study to explore mechanisms and tools available to achieve gender pay equity, drawing on practical examples from the EU.

The training delved further into the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) regulations of the EU, examining their impact on gender equality and equal pay. Participants gained insights into the implementation of ESG principles in the EU and companies, and explored the role of NGOs in promoting these principles in both the private and public sectors.

Day three focused on the legal framework for gender equality in pay within Serbia, providing a detailed analysis of the country’s current legislation and its alignment with EU standards. Experts also discussed the mechanisms and tools available to achieve equal pay in Serbia, highlighting the role of various institutions in protecting this right.

An interactive simulation game brought the realities of the gender pay gap to life, allowing participants to experience firsthand the challenges faced by women in the workplace. The day concluded with know-how in integrating gender equality principles and providing strategies for HR professionals to promote equal pay.

The final day of the training was dedicated to empowering participants to take action. Working in groups, they developed action plans for follow-up activities, outlining concrete steps they would take to advocate for equal pay in their communities. The training also provided information on EU programs and the YouthPass certificate, highlighting opportunities for further engagement and professional development.

The WeEmpower capacity-building training in Belgrade was a resounding success, providing participants with a wealth of knowledge, skills, and inspiration to champion the cause of equal pay for work of equal value. As they move forward, they are equipped to make a real difference in achieving gender equality in the workplace and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

The WeEmpower is an Erasmus+ project aimed at empowering young people to advocate for their social right to equal pay for work of equal value. The project brings together partners from Croatia and Serbia to develop and implement capacity-building training programs, awareness-raising campaigns, and other advocacy initiatives.

To learn more about the WeEmpower project and its activities, please visit the project page.

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