Mapping progress and shaping the future: insights from our second annual meeting in Budapest

On 14 May 2024, the WIN-BIG consortium met in Budapest, Hungary, for the second project annual meeting. Hosted at Central European University by Geonardo Environmental Technologies, the leader of our communication and dissemination work package, the event brought together our 14 partner organisations, Ilze Atanasova (Maritime Cluster Bulgaria) and Eurico Ortiga (ECSA) in representation of the Advisory Steering Committee, and our Project Officer (PO) from CINEA Agnieszka Kempny connected online.

After a welcoming speech by the hosting GEO team, our project coordinator Helena Vieira (University of Aveiro) presented the main updates and status reports following the first year of project implementation. Following this overview, the PO Agnieszka Kempny highlighted the outputs and first results already achieved and underlined the importance of the progress we are collectively making in mapping the gender status and capacity gaps across sea basins and blue sectors in Europe.

These presentations set the stage for engaging discussions on our plans for the coming year, our strategic directions and upcoming initiatives led by each Work Package leader. All partners engaged in interactive workshops and brainstorming sessions focused on planning and executing the sea basin events, women’s retreats, and capacity-building activities set to begin in spring 2025, as well as the promotion of the Women in Blue Economy Survey instrument and upcoming scientific publication and policy brief.

The spirit of WIN-BIG is encapsulated in our mission to make a positive impact and enable more women to thrive in blue economy sectors. This meeting reinforced our commitment to this mission, highlighting that while much work is to be done, our collective effort and dedication will drive us to achieve great things. Enhanced strategies for collaboration among partners, plans for community-building events, and preparations for capacity-building activities were among the key outcomes.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to our partners for their unwavering commitment, engagement, and enthusiasm. We also thank our advisory board members and Project Officer for their active participation and ongoing contributions. We greatly appreciate their support in spreading the WIN-BIG message, engaging women champions and mentors, and promoting the WIN-BIG survey.

Together, we are making significant strides toward our goals. Let's continue to make an impact and support more women in the blue economy!

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