The EMPOWERED project continued its impactful work recently with a crucial Working Group meeting held in Leskovac. IDC, partner for Serbia in the #EMPOWERED project, organized this second gathering, bringing together a diverse array of stakeholders. Valuable perspectives were shared by representatives from local institutions, civil society organizations, and, critically, beneficiaries of social protection services.
Through an open and constructive dialogue, participants engaged in detailed discussions on several important topics, aiming to strengthen local support systems:
- Upcoming Project Activities: Discussions covered planned activities such as focus groups, interviews, trainings, and career guidance and counseling sessions, ensuring alignment and broad participation.
- Analysis of Local Decisions and Strategic Documents: A thorough review of existing local policies and strategic documents was conducted to identify areas for improvement and greater inclusivity.
- Sources of Funding and Challenges in Social Protection: Participants explored various funding mechanisms and identified key financial and operational challenges within the social protection sector.
- Procedures for Exercising Rights and User Perspectives: The meeting emphasized the importance of understanding current procedures for accessing rights and integrating the direct experiences and needs of beneficiaries.
- Proposals for Improving Local Social Protection Systems: Concrete suggestions were developed for enhancing the efficiency, accessibility, and effectiveness of local social protection services.
Thanks to the constructive suggestions and shared experiences, all involved parties agreed on tangible steps to strengthen inter-institutional cooperation and advance more inclusive local policies. This collaborative approach underscores the EMPOWERED project’s commitment to empowering local communities to build sustainable and equitable social systems.
The EMPOWERED team extends its sincere gratitude to all participants for their constructive dialogue and active engagement. Together, we are building an environment where every voice matters and social protection systems become more accessible and fair for all.
