Empowering Young Women. Building Inclusive Communities
Leaders for Future is a transnational initiative co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ programme. The project responds to two of the most urgent challenges facing young people today: the limited access to decent employment and the underrepresentation of youth in democratic processes. Particular attention is given to young women and those from disadvantaged or marginalised communities across Europe, the Western Balkans, and neighbouring regions.
Why Leaders for Future?
Youth unemployment and gender inequalities remain structural problems, limiting the personal and professional development of thousands of young women. Leaders for Future seeks to break down these barriers by promoting gender equality, social inclusion and human rights, while equipping young women with the skills, networks and confidence needed to thrive.
Our Approach
1. CAPACITY BUILDING
We train youth workers to become mentors, supporting young women in developing entrepreneurial skills, leadership, and active citizenship.
2. SUPPORT HUBS
We establish local support points where young women can access guidance, tailored workshops, and peer networks to help them create their own business or social initiatives.
3. AWARENESS AND ADVOCACY
Through public campaigns and community engagement, we promote gender equality, challenge stereotypes, and raise awareness of the importance of women’s leadership.
4. OPPORTUNITIES AND RECOGNITION
We organise national and international competitions to showcase innovative business ideas led by young women, offering them visibility, funding, and networking opportunities.
Our Vision
We believe in a Europe where young women lead change, create opportunities, and actively contribute to more inclusive and democratic societies. By strengthening youth organisations, fostering cross-border cooperation, and empowering young leaders, Leaders for Future contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and building fairer, more resilient communities.
OBJECTIVES
The Leaders for Future project aims to empower youth organizations and young women through the following objectives:
- Strengthen the capacity of youth organizations working with young people outside formal learning by equipping them with specialized training, tools, and methods to establish support points that motivate and assist young women in their social and professional integration.
- Promote non-formal education and lifelong learning for young women fostering an entrepreneurial mindset and preparing them for active participation in society and the labour market.
- Build capacity for change and leadership, supporting emerging young leaders — particularly women — to engage more citizens in sustainable development initiatives at local and global levels.
- Identify and address psychological and skill-based barriers faced by young women in accessing entrepreneurship and leadership opportunities, developing tailored strategies to overcome them.
- Promote active citizenship, youth participation, and youth entrepreneurship, including social entrepreneurship, by creating inclusive environments and initiatives that encourage young women to take initiative and lead community-driven projects.
- Foster international cooperation between youth organizations across Europe, the Western Balkans, and other regions, strengthening networks, sharing good practices, and launching joint initiatives that promote gender equality and sustainable development.
- Enhance the employability and entrepreneurial potential of young women, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, by providing targeted support, mentoring, and capacity-building activities.
GET INVOLVED
- Are you a young woman ready to shape your future?
- Are you a youth worker committed to making a difference?
- Are you part of an organisation passionate about inclusion and gender equality?
Join Leaders for Future to access resources, training, events, and a vibrant European network working for change.
TARGET GROUP
- Young women (aged 18–30), especially from migrant backgrounds,unemployed or aiming to improve their working conditions or women with fewer opportunities or from disadvantaged contexts.
- Youth workers, social workers, trainers and educators who work directly with young people in the partner communities and require tools and training to support young women entrepreneurs.
- Civil society stakeholders, including associations working with women or youth,teachers and adult educators, and public authorities and policy makers working on gender and youth issues.
- Business and employment stakeholders, such as local SMEs and entrepreneurs,chambers of commerce, and employment support services.
- General public