A Year of Empowerment and Progress in 2024

As 2024 comes to a close, it’s time to look back on the extraordinary work accomplished by the BSI_4Women project. Across the Baltic Sea region, countries including Lithuania, Poland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Latvia have contributed uniquely to our shared mission of empowering refugee women through entrepreneurship. Each initiative has been a vital piece of a larger effort to foster inclusion, independence, and opportunity.

In Norway, the launch of the ReStart Incubation Program marked a significant milestone. Designed to support Ukrainian migrant women with innovative business ideas, this initiative has provided tailored resources to help participants develop and scale their ventures. Led by local partners such as Vindel AS and ProtoMore Kunnskapspark AS, the program emphasized sustainability and creativity, offering these women a path to success both locally and internationally. It was a powerful example of how structured support can transform ideas into impactful businesses.

Sweden has been instrumental in driving research efforts to better understand the aspirations and challenges of refugee women. Through comprehensive surveys, the country has contributed to developing tools that effectively support women in achieving economic independence. These insights have not only enriched the project but also laid the groundwork for creating targeted resources that empower women to thrive through self-employment and entrepreneurship.

Latvia has focused on building a supportive ecosystem for aspiring female entrepreneurs. By engaging local stakeholders and providing access to tailored business development programs, the country has helped refugee women turn their innovative ideas into sustainable businesses. These initiatives have highlighted the importance of collaboration and community support in fostering economic integration and opportunity.

Meanwhile, Lithuania played host to a series of impactful events. In March, a workshop in Kaunas provided Ukrainian women with a platform to share experiences and develop strategies for starting their own businesses. The event underscored the importance of practical tools and peer support in overcoming barriers to entrepreneurship. Then, in June, the Entrepreneurship Opportunities Fair at Tech-Park Kaunas brought together mentors, advisors, and aspiring businesswomen in a vibrant exchange of ideas and resources. These events exemplified how targeted initiatives can build confidence and inspire success.

Poland contributed by uncovering the resilience and determination of Ukrainian refugee women through detailed surveys. These studies highlighted the entrepreneurial drive of women eager to build new lives for themselves, emphasizing the need for targeted training and mentorship. Poland’s efforts have provided a deeper understanding of how to tailor support to meet the specific needs of these ambitious individuals.

In July, the project’s achievements were celebrated on an international stage at the “Building Bridges: Social Economy Contribution to Peaceful Societies” event in Brussels. This moment of recognition showcased how the BSI_4Women project has become a model for fostering inclusion and economic resilience. It also highlighted the collaborative power of the Baltic Sea region in creating meaningful opportunities for refugee women.

As we reflect on these accomplishments, it’s clear that 2024 has been a year of transformative action. The combined efforts of Norway, Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Denmark, and other countries have built a foundation for lasting impact. By empowering refugee women, the BSI_4Women project has not only supported individuals but also strengthened communities across the region.

Looking ahead to 2025, there is a strong sense of anticipation. The successes of this year inspire us to continue this important work, knowing that even greater achievements lie ahead.

To all our partners, participants, and supporters, we extend our warmest New Year wishes. May the coming year bring prosperity, growth, and new opportunities. We invite you to stay connected with us as we build on this year’s progress—the best is yet to come. Together, we will continue to empower, inspire, and create lasting change.

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