The PLESES project deals with an important societal problem which needs more attention, action and research. In the context of a new concept of work and employment, of work life balance, of population policy it is necessary to develop a more intensive awareness and balanced appreciation for skills gained in parental leave.

The work of the project partners is directed to three target groups: the participating partner organisations, fathers/men and enterprises.

Skills and experiences fathers acquire in paternity leave shall be identified. Their value and importance for the individual, the economy and the society are to be spelled out. The public shall be sensitised more intensive for these skills which are useful for the job. Enterprises shall learn about the special skills fathers acquire in paternity leave and how they can be integrated and used for entrepreneurial processes and purposes. On the ideal level, the partner organisations are going to learn about the situation and processes via a gender mainstreaming approach in the participating European countries by common and mutual learning. On the concrete level, educational modules dealing with the subject of paternity skills are going to be developed in a common work process of the partners. Gender equality in enterprises and society shall be supported. An European exchange about this strategic subject shall be initiated and the co-operation on European and local level shall be promoted. The results of this learning partnership will be put into a process of valorisation and dissemination.

Researchers: Barbara Poggio (coordinator), Annalisa Murgia, Chiara Zendri
Period: March 2006 - March 2009
Funding: SOCRATES - GRUNDTVIG 2 - Learning partnership