Promoting equality and non-discrimination, preventing disadvantage

The aim of the theme is to strengthen the active agency and inclusion of persons in the weakest labour market position and at the greatest risk of adversity, as well as their attachment to education and the labour market. The aim is to promote the health and well-being of people in the target group and to maintain and improve their work ability and functional capacity so that they have sufficient resources to actively improve their own life situation and, if necessary, the lives of their loved ones. The gender perspective is taken into account in all projects, and projects that promote equality in particular are also implemented.

The objectives can be achieved by developing, disseminating and embedding multidisciplinary, timely, accessible and uninterrupted well-being, social, health and rehabilitation services and by strengthening a network-based work approach as well as by increasing knowledge and competence on gender equality and non-discrimination.

In the scope of these activities, it is important to identify in particular those in a vulnerable position who are not covered by services, those who are unable to use digital services, those who have difficulties in applying for and receiving support, as well as persons who are lonely in their daily lives or who do not have extensive support networks. Gender is included in all groups and affects the individual's role in communities, but it may also be an independent factor causing discrimination.

National activities create guidelines for project development and an operating framework for creating new innovations to increase inclusion, gender equality and non-discrimination and the regional dissemination of these innovations. Broad-based co-creation and partnership between actors are at the centre of national development. As national activities focus on development themes of strategic importance, they must be based on extensive partnership and networking activities, in which the target group for the measures must be involved if possible, by means of co-creation and involving experts by experience. National activities will be used to ensure that the most important development measures will be implemented during the programme period.

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