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07/11/2023

Gender equality in and through clusters: Identifying good practices in Europe

The PENELOPE Project consortium met for the second project meeting in Yecla (Spain) on 21 and 22 September 2023. The European experiences on gender equality were analysed and combined with intensive research that led to the design of 18 tools for a gender mainstreaming approach. The AMUEBLA Cluster of Innovation for Furniture Manufacturers in the Region of Murcia hosted the meeting.

PENELOPE Project consortium at the second project meeting in Yecla (Spain)
PENELOPE Project consortium at the second project meeting in Yecla (Spain)
© PENELOPE Project
Gender equality in and through clusters: Identifying good practices in Europe

Clusters expressed their need to see more and more practical impact of policies and initiatives that highlight and value the role of women within European clusters and their businesses. Furthermore, they longed for tools that allow them to help and accompany their associated companies in the development of gender mainstreaming strategies.

That is why the starting activities of PENELOPE were focused on:

  1. Identifying good practices among EU clusters and policy makers at regional, national and EU level related to gender equality and gender mainstreaming.
  2. Defining a pan-European Gender Mainstreaming Approach through specific tools for gender impact assessment, gender communication and gender monitoring.


The 18 tools for a gender mainstreaming approach were structured in eight areas of possible intervention:

  1. Workplace culture and institutional transformation
  2. Talent recruitment
  3. Career progression and access to training
  4. Equal pay
  5. Working conditions, health and occupational safety
  6. Maternity, work-life balance and flexible working arrangements
  7. Sexism and harassment in the workplace
  8. Gender monitoring, performance and reporting


The PENELOPE consortium intends to structure the knowledge and published the results on the website and LinkedIn to share it with the broad European cluster community through a dedicated promotional campaign.

More information

More information