Addressing Gender Barriers to the Labour Market
A D D R E S S IN G G E N D E R
BARRIERS TO THE LABOUR
M A R K ET
Overcoming lack of confidence, low self-esteem
and fear of failure as barriers to participation in
Equality for Women Measure (EWM) projects
Investing in your Future
Addressing Gender Barriers to the Labour Market
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements
..................................................................................................
2
Report Outline
..................................................................................................
2
Introduction .....................................................................................
3
Section 1:
Equality for Women Measure 2010-2013
...........................................................
3
Selected Theme for the research assignment
...........................................................
3
.....................................................................................
5
................................................................................................................
5
Focus Groups ................................................................................................................
5
Interviews
................................................................................................................
5
Section 2:
Background & Context
............................................................
6
Section 3:
Research Results
..........................................................................
8
3.1 Extent of lack of confidence, low self-esteem and fear of failure ............................
8
3.2 Causes of lack of confidence, low self-esteem and fear of failure ...........................
9
3.3 Impact of lack of confidence, low self-esteem and fear of failure ...........................
10
3.4 EWM Responses ........................................................................................................
11
3.5 Changes to levels of confidence, self-esteem and fear of failure ............................
13
3.6 Most & least helpful interventions .........................................................................
15
3.7 Key learning
16
Methodology and Approach
Survey
...................................................................................................
3.8 Link with capacity to access training, education &employment/self-employment. 18
3.9 Progress towards achieving the aims of the Measure .............................................
18
Section 4:
20
Conclusions & Recommendations
.............................................
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Addressing Gender Barriers to the Labour Market
Acknowledgements from the researchers
This report was researched and written for Pobal by Ann Irwin and Oonagh McArdle. The
researchers would like to thank the EWM project co-ordinators for their co-operation and
participation. They would also like to thank Pobal for the opportunity to research what is an
important and complex issue for many women as they seek to overcome barriers to education
and employment. Most of all, the researchers are very grateful to all the participants who shared
their stories through attending the Focus Groups and completing the survey. We wish them all
the very best as project participants and as women continuing their individual journeys’ towards
greater equality.
Acknowledgements from Pobal
The EWM team in Pobal would like to express our thanks to the researchers Ann Irwin and
Oonagh McArdle who did an excellent job of work in a very short timeframe. We are also
appreciative of the wonderful cooperation and support that the local EWM groups extended to
the researchers and for their wholehearted participation in the research process, a total of 32
groups participated, which is an exceptionally high participation rate. This research would not
have been possible without the approval of our colleagues in the Department of Justice and
Equality, specifically Pauline Moreau and we are appreciative of Pauline’s on-going support for
the work.
Report Outline
Section 1 of this report provides an introduction to the assignment and the methodology used
throughout. Section 2 presents the background and context to the EWM and to the National
Women’s Strategy. Section 3 presents the results of the research undertaken and Section 4
outlines the conclusions and recommendations arising from the research.
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Addressing Gender Barriers to the Labour Market
Section 1
Introduction
Equality for Women Measure 2010-2013
The Equality for Women Measure (EWM) receives European Social Fund (ESF) support under the
Human Capital Investment Operational Programme 2007 - 2013. The EWM is structured according
to three strands each with a separate thematic focus that directly relate to the key themes of the
National Women’s Strategy 2007-2016, particularly in relation to ‘equalising socio-economic
opportunity for women’ and ‘enabling women to engage as equal and active citizens.’ Strands 1
to 3 of the Equality for Women Measure were formally launched in May 2011 with an open call
for proposals.
Following an open call for applications a total of 42 projects were awarded funding of up to
€50,000 in October 2010. Funding was initially committed to projects up until 30th June 2011. In
May 2011 all EWM funded groups were invited to apply for additional funding under Year 2 of the
Measure (up to the amount originally awarded in Year 1 of the project), to cover the period from
01st July 2011 to 30th April 2012. A total of 40 groups received funding to cover the Year 2 period.
Further funding beyond this is subject to the availability of funds and projects meeting the agreed
targets.
EWM projects are required to monitor and report annually on quantitative outputs. However, due
to funding and other constraints, there is no programme level evaluation framework. In order to
profile the measure in terms of its impact on addressing barriers to women’s participation in the
labour market and in enterprise, EWM projects were asked by Pobal to identify key themes/issues
that have emerged during the course of their project work. In a preliminary indication of themes,
the following were reported:
Lack of confidence/ Poor self-esteem / Fear of failure
Caring Responsibilities – women carry an unequal share of care work/household tasks
Financial Barriers (cost of childcare, social welfare trap, lack of transport)
External Impact of the economic downturn
Selected Theme for the research assignment
The theme(s) identified for the research assignment was lack of confidence/ poor self-esteem
/ fear of failure which were seen to constitute a barrier to participation in the labour market
amongst women across all 3 strands of EWM, regardless of socio-economic background.
The EWM is comprised of four strands, three of which are being implemented presently and
include:
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Addressing Gender Barriers to the Labour Market
Strand 1 : Access to Employment, the aim of which is to provide women who are currently
outside the labour market with the social skills, and / or education, and /or training to enable
them to enter or return to the labour market.
Strand 2 : Developing Female Entrepreneurship, the aim of which is to support the development
of women who are or want to become female entrepreneurs.
Strand 3 : Career Development for Women in Employment, the aim of which is to support the
provision of training and other developmental mechanisms to enable women who are in
employment to advance their careers.
Strand One comprises 31 projects, Strand Two comprises 10 projects and Strand Three comprises
1 project. In view of the fact that the vast majority of projects are located in Strand One which
effectively, but not exclusively, caters for disadvantaged women, it is not surprising that this
theme should resonate so strongly. However, it should also be acknowledged that women
participating in the other two strands also experienced similar emotional/psychological responses
that acted as barriers to their full participation.
This important finding would suggest that the Department of Justice and Equality (previously
Justice, Equality and Law Reform) made a very strategic decision in designing the EWM so that it
had a substantial focus on Strand One. Realistically speaking, this configuration recognises the
fact that if disadvantaged women in particular are to achieve equality in the labour market, that it
is essential to remove, or significantly address, barriers to their progression and participation.
Additionally, it also inherently acknowledges that we still need to explore and invent newer and
better ways of addressing this long-standing problem.
In the context of the above, the aim of the assignment was to profile the Measure through
researching and documenting the identified theme and associated issues arising in the work of
projects funded under EWM 2010-2013 with a particular focus on addressing barriers to women’s
participation and progression in employment and enterprise. The Report was also to highlight
examples of gender specific methodologies to address those barriers.
The objectives of the assignment in relation to the key theme were to:
investigate and describe the process of engagement to-date between relevant EWM
projects and participants on EWM courses;
describe models of engagement or confidence building currently being implemented
through the programme;
propose evidence-based conclusions on the effectiveness and transferability of some
key approaches to promoting and progressing women’s access to employment and
participation in enterprise;
document progress towards achieving the aims of the Measure.
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Addressing Gender Barriers to the Labour Market
Methodology and Approach
As the theme for this assignment was very specific and there was a tight timeframe available to
the researchers, the researchers decided to use a method called methodological triangulation1,
where multiple methods of enquiry were used to study a single issue. It is believed that the
combination of methods strengthens and adds validity to research of this nature.
Following a review of the project monitoring reports supplied to the researchers by Pobal,
specifically in relation to mentions of the theme or related issues, the researchers took a three
pronged approach, using survey, interviews and focus group methods to explore the theme of
lack of confidence, low self-esteem and fear of failure as a barrier to women’s participation and
progress in the labour market.
Survey
Two versions of the on-line survey were developed: one for Project Co-ordinators and one for
Participants. A total of 175 responses to the Participant questionnaire and 23 responses to the
Co-ordinator questionnaire were received. Not surprisingly given their numerical superiority, the
majority of responses were from projects in Strand 1 of the Measure. However, responses from
across the three Strands were received.
Focus Groups
Three Focus Groups were carried out in Dublin, Galway and Limerick. A total of 32 people
representing seventeen of the projects attended the Focus Groups, and attendees included a
combination of project participants and project co-ordinators from across the three Strands.
Interviews
A total of seven telephone interviews were carried out with project co-ordinators from the three
Strands. Those interviewed included:
a number of those that had expressed their inability to attend the Focus Groups;
a number of projects that the review of documentation suggested had identified and
developed measures to address the theme of the assignment; and
a number of projects that had not identified the themes as an issue for the project.
In addition to interviews with project co-ordinators, interviews were also carried out with a
representative of the City and County Enterprise Boards Network and with a representative of the
National Women’s Council of Ireland. The former was selected because of its work in supporting
women in enterprise and the latter for its role in supporting gender equality more generally. In
total, approximately 32 of the 40 EWM funded projects participated in some way with the
research.
1
Patton, M. (2001) Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods, 3 rd edition, Sage
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Addressing Gender Barriers to the Labour Market
Section 2
Background & Context
The National Women’s Strategy (NWS) is the Government’s statement of priorities in relation to
the advancement of women in Irish society for the period 2007-2016. Its vision is an Ireland
where all women enjoy equality with men and can achieve their full potential, while enjoying a
safe and fulfilling life. Three key themes are identified in the strategy:
Equalising socio-economic opportunity for women;
Ensuring the wellbeing of women;
Engaging as equal and active citizens.
The strategy acknowledges that the themes are “not wholly discrete” and, taken together, they
are a commitment on the part of the Government to address all aspects of national policy that
impact upon women and to contribute to the achievement of true gender equality to the
betterment of all members of society.2
It is within this context and framework that the Equality for Women Measure 2010-2013 acts as a
positive action programme for women that aims to foster gender equality in accordance with the
NWS by advancing the role of women in the Irish economy and in decision-making at all levels.
Many of the issues outlined in the NWS are reflected in the three strands of the Measure, which
are:
Strand 1: Access to Employment
Aim: To provide women who are currently outside the labour market with the social skills, and/or
education, and/or training to enable them to enter or return to the labour market.
Strand 2: Developing Female Entrepreneurship
Aim: To support the development of women who are or want to become female entrepreneurs.
Strand 3: Career Development for Women in Employment
Aim: To support the provision of training and other developmental mechanisms to enable
women who are in employment to advance their careers.
For example, the NWS recognises, inter alia;
that the involvement of women in decision-making, at both enterprise and political
levels on the home stage is comparatively low3 (EWM Strand 3);
2
3
National Women’s Strategy 2007-2016, p. i
Ibid, p. 1
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Addressing Gender Barriers to the Labour Market
many of those who continue to experience disadvantage and lack of equality of
opportunity are women;
the further improvement of the socio-economic status of marginalised and disadvantaged
women would enhance the quality of their lives and the wellbeing of their families (EWM
all Strands);
Each woman [from a socially disadvantaged background] seeking to return to work will
have a personal set of developmental needs and can be helped through a range of
education and training supports...these include services to encourage the development of
social skills and self-development training...4 (EWM Strands 1 and 3);
Change on many fronts is required to enable more women to reach the top decisionmaking positions in Irish society. Some of these changes are cultural, requiring a break
from the traditional roles previously played by women who tended to operate behind the
scenes rather than to the forefront of activity. This is an outcome of stereotyping and of
often patriarchal attitudes towards women’s role in society. They also reflect and mirror
the difficulties experienced by women in accessing and progressing through high level
employment. It may also reflect the lack of self-belief and self-confidence which is still
found frequently, even among very successful women in Ireland, following years of
socialisation in a tradition laden environment5 (EWM all Strands).
The need for positive action to contribute to women’s equality is also confirmed by other
literature. For example, lack of confidence as a barrier to women’s participation in decision
making was identified as one of the five barriers6 to participation in decision making by the report
of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women’s Rights in 2009. The
report states that women tend to lack sufficient confidence to participate as actively as men in
political life generally and in particular to lack the confidence to put themselves forward for
selection in political parties. In addition, the GEM7 report states that a higher proportion of
women (43%) than men (34%) report that a fear of failure would prevent them from starting a
business8 and fewer women have the confidence to start a business.9 According to the National
Women’s Council, these are barriers that permeate all aspects of women’s social, economic and
cultural lives and must be equally addressed.
4
Ibid p. 28
Ibid p. 95, emphasis added
6
Referred to as the five ‘Cs’, the others were Cash, Culture, Candidate Selection and Childcare
7
Entrepreneurship in Ireland (Global Entrepreneurship Monitor) 2010
8
P. 30
9
P. 35
5
7
Addressing Gender Barriers to the Labour Market
Section 3
Research Results
This section of the report presents the results of the research approaches. As indicated above, the
results include a combination of quantitative and qualitative information gathered from the online surveys, the Focus Groups and the interviews. A number of key themes emerged from the
research process. These included structural barriers to progression, collective experiences of
particular cohorts of EWM participants and individual experiences that participants had. These
are presented and explored below.
3.1 Extent of lack of confidence, low self-esteem and fear of failure
The research carried out showed that a significant
number of women engaging with projects funded by the
Equality for Women Measure reported experiencing a
lack of confidence, low self-esteem and to a slightly
lesser extent, a fear of failure. The on-line surveys, for
example, revealed that a total of 76% of participants
and 91% of project co-ordinators identified that it was
an issue before the EWM project began and this was
confirmed by the Focus Groups and the interviews. This
was the case for women from all three Strands, though
the issues tended to be experienced in various ways and
manifested themselves differently within the Strands, as
further sections of the report explore.
Low self-esteem very evident particularly for
women who had spent many years distanced
from education and labour market due to
parenting / caring responsibilities and
unemployment (Survey, Project Co-ordinator,
Strand 1)
Poor self-confidence and self-esteem low. Our
experience over the past years in dealing with
people who wish to start their own businesses
indicates that over two thirds of those we deal
with are men; therefore we endeavoured to
address this issue by specifically tailoring a
programme to meet women’s needs (Survey,
Project Co-ordinator, Strand 2)
Table 1: Issue of lack of confidence, low self-esteem and fear of failure before the project began
Yes
No
Total
Participant survey
132
76%
42
24%
174
100%
Co-ordinator survey
21
91%
2
9%
23
100%
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Addressing Gender Barriers to the Labour Market
3.2 Causes of lack of confidence, low self-esteem and fear of failure
The research identified the structural and all-encompassing
nature of women’s gender inequality as the leading barrier
to progression or participation in the labour market or in
enterprise development. For some, particularly in Strand 1,
the issues are significantly aggravated by experiences of
inequality, marginalisation and disadvantage as a result of a
range of factors including socio-economic factors (such as low
income, dependency on social protection or poverty), life
experiences (such as domestic violence, low education or
other negative experiences) or discrimination (because of
their membership of certain communities or groups such as
Travellers, migrants or those parenting alone). For many of
these women their daily lives are characterised by what was
described as an on-going ‘struggle to cope’10 and when trying
to get back to education or employment often experiencing
further ‘knocks along the way’.11
Projects that worked with women less affected by socioeconomic and other disadvantages, particularly a number of
projects in Strands 2 and 3, spoke of lack of confidence and
low self-esteem ‘relative’ to male counterparts. This,
according to the projects, can lead to women failing to fulfil
their career potential or to underrating the potential of their
enterprises. The challenge was to support participants to
believe that they can and should aim higher. For these
projects, the issues of lack of confidence, low self-esteem and
fear of failure as a barrier to women’s participation tended to
be viewed within the context of structural issues and barriers
to women’s progression.
Awareness that lower levels of confidence
(for female academics and researchers
relative to male counterparts) in applying
for promotion or in planning career was
considered one of many factors that could
be contributing to an under-representation
of women in more senior levels of the
university…..The focus of the project was on
empowerment, support and leadership at
an individual level and addressing
structural issues at the level of the
organisation and the academy (Survey,
Project Co-ordinator, Strand 3)
We know from …research that women are
less confident than men in terms of their
ability to successfully start and run a
successful business. Fear of failure as an
inhibitory factor for women starting a
business is also higher for women than it is
for men….many of the participants lack
confidence in their own ability and
underrate the potential of their projects
(Survey, Project Co-ordinator, Strand 2)
Distance from the labour market was cited as a significant reason for low levels of confidence
and self-esteem. Though more evident in the projects operating under Strand 1 of the Measure, it
was also a significant issue for projects in Strand 2. This was a common issue for women who had
spent some time carrying out parenting and caring responsibilities. This role was acknowledged to
be vitally important but can be isolating for many women who experience the loss of self-esteem
and confidence as a result. Exclusion from the labour market as a result of unemployment was
also a very significant factor with many stating that the loss of a job or periods spent unemployed
10
11
Interviewee
Ibid
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Addressing Gender Barriers to the Labour Market
were considerable factors in the loss of self-esteem or confidence. The length of time spent
unemployed was believed to be negatively associated with levels of self-esteem and confidence the longer the time spent unemployed the lower the levels of confidence and self-esteem.
In an era of rapidly changing technologies and systems, time spent outside the labour market can
lead to a loss of skills or to skills becoming irrelevant or redundant. This in turn erodes
confidence and self-esteem and can translate into a fear of failure. The increasingly competitive
nature of work, particularly in recessionary times when employment opportunities are scarce, can
also impact on women’s fear of failure, of not gaining employment or to the fear of an enterprise
failing.
Poor education levels, negative experiences of the education system and low skills levels were
also cited as reasons for lack of confidence and self-esteem. For others, moving away from family
and support networks contributed to the social isolation that itself is a contributing factor to the
loss of confidence and self-esteem.
Age was also a factor, with older women stating that their levels of confidence and self-esteem
were low and related to the length of time spent in isolating roles as carers. It was also thought
that the role of older women is often de-valued by society and this can lead to issues with
confidence and self-esteem. However, this is not a factor that is confined to older women and it
was also an issue identified by young women participating in EWM projects, particularly those in
the 18-24 years category.
Ethnicity was a key factor for some of the projects that worked with women from different ethnic
backgrounds. A number of these participants stated that lack of confidence and low self-esteem
were only two barriers in the context of other structural barriers such as discrimination and the
absence of supports for women returning to work and/or enterprise, particularly those from
minority communities such as Travellers or migrants. For many migrants, the lack of language
skills was a further compounding factor.
3.3 Impact of lack of confidence, low self-esteem and fear of failure
The impact of lack of confidence and low self-esteem on women is considerable. Participants of
this research, particularly those engaging in projects under Strand 1 but also with some of those
in Strand 2, stated that it caused loss of motivation and apathy, often causing a ‘rut’12 from which
it was very difficult to escape. Others stated that it constrains and limits the choices that women
make and can result in them being ‘stuck’13 in their lives. It can make taking the first step into
education or employment very difficult and the EWM projects were seen as a ‘bridge’14 that
created a safe environment from which they could plan to move on. Research participants
12
Focus Group – EWM participant
Focus Group – EWM participant
14
Focus Group – EWM participant
13
10
Addressing Gender Barriers to the Labour Market
described not being able to visualise themselves engaging in economic activity outside the home.
Many stated that they would not even consider applying for a job believing any job to be
considerably outside of their ability.
Many did not believe that they had any entitlement to work or to access education or training.
Others spoke of their lack of ‘self-worth’ and ‘self-value’ which they stated had been completely
eroded. One of the interviewees spoke of the issue of ‘self-belief’ stating that women’s lack of
belief in themselves, their achievements and their potential to achieve acted as a considerable
barrier to them moving towards employment or education.
For others, engaging with projects in Strands 2 and 3, the impact was often one of
underachievement, particularly (though not exclusively) when compared to male counterparts.
For many, lack of confidence or fear of failure resulted in them not reaching their full potential in
their careers or enterprises and often not believing that they could.
3.4 EWM Responses
Two of the principle influences on the design of local
projects, and specifically the extent to which measures to
address low levels of confidence and self-esteem were
embedded in the projects, were the previous experience of
sponsoring organisations working with similar cohorts of
women and the levels to which the project participants
themselves identified these as barriers to accessing the
labour market. Addressing these issues was a significant
element for some of the local projects from the outset. For
others, the theme emerged as participants progressed and
strategies to address the issue were developed at that
stage, either on a one-to-one or collective basis. Others
used indirect methods to address the theme. Some of the
direct and indirect interventions are described below:
The aim of this project is to enable the
women to access employment. To do this
we have had to address their needs in a
holistic way. As well as the basic
employment training- CV skills, interview
skills, specific training etc..., we found that
it was equally, if not more important to
address their lack of self-belief and
confidence to enable them to gain the
confidence needed to apply for jobs or
training. (Survey, Project Co-ordinator,
Strand 1)
3.4.1 Direct interventions
The majority of participants (85%) and co-ordinators (74%) identified that the project with which
they were involved did have specific direct interventions to address the theme.
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Table 2: Interventions to address the theme
Yes
No
Total
Participant survey
145
25
170
85%
15%
100%
Co-ordinator survey
17
74%
6
26%
23
100%
When asked to elaborate it emerged that interventions involved a combination of:
A targeted approach to the issue through the
provision of modules designed to specifically address
the issues of confidence and self-esteem. Examples of
specific modules include assertiveness, personal
development, communication, managing change,
goal setting, conflict management etc. Other tools
such as drama and arts were included in local
projects to specifically enable women to develop
their self-esteem and confidence. A number of these
modules were accredited and others were not.
Skills development modules that focused on
embedding personal development throughout the
project.
The provision of mentoring, life coaching or a key
worker through which women were supported on a
one-to-one basis.
The provision of wrap around supports such as the
availability of counselling or parenting services where
more specialised supports were required.
As self-confidence/low self-esteem did not
become evident until the project began,
modules to support it were not factored
into the project plan. However during the
programme……if anyone felt they were
lacking the belief to continue, the tutor
would work with them on a one- to-one
basis and help them with extra work to
build self confidence and self-esteem.
(Survey, Project Co-ordinator, Strand 1)
While confidence building was an integral
part of the whole programme
methodologically, through empowering
facilitation, it was also a specific focus of
the first module. This involved participants
being invited to explore their experiences,
to identify and acknowledge their
achievements, and to identify and
recognise their abilities, capacities and
varied life skills. (Survey, Project Coordinator, Strand 1)
The nature of the …. experience is that the
participants gain confidence from it. We do
not run "confidence" building exercises per
se but the participants begin to realise that
the challenges they face are faced by
others and that the most successful
entrepreneurs are just like them, they are
not "special." (Survey, Project Co-ordinator,
Strand 2)
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Addressing Gender Barriers to the Labour Market
Previous experience of a number of organisations suggested that when this issue was not
holistically addressed attrition rates were higher and more resources had to be invested in
encouraging participants to complete the project. After introducing a more structured way of
addressing lack of confidence and low self-esteem, the experience of the organisations indicated
lower levels of dropout and a stronger engagement by participants in the project.
3.4.2 Indirect interventions
The organisations that did not identify the theme as a
Although we did not have modules/ session
significant issue for their target group of women still spoke
dealing specifically with confidence or selfof a lack of confidence in a way that reflected their analysis
esteem, there was a wider personal
development agenda that informed the
of women’s under-achievement compared to their male
professional development agenda (Survey,
counterparts. For these projects the challenge was one of
Project Co-ordinator, Strand 3)
demystifying success and supporting participants to emulate
their (female) role models. It was also about encouraging
women to achieve the full potential of their career choice, whether this is in enterprise or in their
chosen profession. These projects tended not to have explicit modules to address confidence and
self-esteem issues but stated that these tended to be implicit in the project design as women are
encouraged to ‘lift their ambition’15. The experience of these projects suggests that when women
with similar aims are brought together confidence levels rise as they begin to realise that the
fears they are experiencing are shared and exposure to successful role models demonstrates that
these can be overcome. In the main, these projects sought to address confidence, self-esteem
and fear of failure indirectly, by creating spaces for women to mix with their peers and also to be
introduced to role models as a confidence building strategy.
3.5 Changes to levels of confidence, self-esteem and fear of failure
In order to assess the perceptions of changes to the levels of confidence, self-esteem and fear of
failure in the context of project interventions, participants and co-ordinators were asked to rate
overall levels of confidence and self-esteem at the time the EWM project started and the time the
research was conducted (December 2011). The evidence that emerged showed that the
perception of confidence, self-esteem and fear of failure changed significantly from the time the
project began to the time that the research was conducted and the majority of participants and
co-ordinators attributed the change to the project interventions.
For example, at the beginning of the project only 4% of project participants and none of the
project co-ordinators described levels of confidence and self-esteem as ‘very good’. The highest
number of participants (76 or 44%) described their levels as ‘average’ and the highest number of
project co-ordinators (9 or 43%) described levels as ‘poor’.
15
Interviewee – Project Co-ordinator
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Addressing Gender Barriers to the Labour Market
The surveys suggest a significant change in the perception of levels of confidence and self-esteem
between the beginning of the projects and the time of the research, with an improvement
reported by all those surveyed. For example, the largest numbers of participants (85 or 49%) now
describe their levels as ‘good’, with a further 36 or 21% describing their levels as ‘very good’. This
was agreed by the project co-ordinators, the largest number of whom now describe levels as
‘good’ (12 or 57%) or ‘very good’ (3 or 14%). None of the participants or co-ordinators described
levels as ‘very poor’ and only 8 or 5% of participants and 1 co-ordinator described levels now as
‘poor’. The perception of a positive change in levels of confidence and esteem was noted by coordinators and participants from across the three Strands.
Table 3 : Levels of confidence and self-esteem
Participant survey
Beginning
Very good, confidence and self-esteem very high
Co-ordinator survey
End
Beginning
End
7
4%
36
21%
0
0%
3
14%
Good, confidence and self-esteem high
14
8%
85
49%
0
0%
12
57%
Average, confidence and self-esteem about average
76
44%
43
25%
7
33%
5
24%
Poor, confidence and self-esteem low
48
28%
8
5%
9
43%
1
5%
Very poor, confidence and self-esteem very low
28
16%
0
0%
5
24%
0
0%
173
100%
172
100%
21
100%
21
100%
Total
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Addressing Gender Barriers to the Labour Market
When asked if they attributed the change (if any) in levels of
confidence and self-esteem to the project - either generally
or to specific project interventions - 100% (23) of coordinators and 91% (153) of participants attributed the
change to the project. This was confirmed by the Focus
Groups where there was consensus that the projects were
instrumental in identifying and addressing lack of
confidence and low self-esteem as key barriers to women’s
participation and progression.
Even though I still rate my confidence as
average, it has increased a lot since I started
the course (Survey, Project Participant,
Strand 1)
3.6 Most & least helpful interventions
Research participants were asked to describe interventions
that they found to be the most and least helpful. What
emerged from this enquiry was a firm belief amongst many of
the projects that addressing the issues of confidence and
self-esteem is a prerequisite for any type of success in
relation to progressing women into the labour market. The
survey, the focus groups and the interviews revealed that
many believed that without these specific interventions the
other elements of the project, such as skills development or
Definitely participants feel that their
confidence has increased since taking part
in the project. Their level of self-awareness
and self-esteem has improved. Their
confidence has grown because this
programme has built the capacity of
participants and enabled them to
understand that the personal is political, to
interact with other participants, to succeed
in the training, to identify and set life goals
for themselves and to generally take better
charge of their own life trajectory. (Survey,
Project Co-ordinator, Strand 1)
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Addressing Gender Barriers to the Labour Market
encouragement into enterprise, would be significantly less useful or successful. Many described
work to address lack of confidence and low self-esteem in terms of ‘foundation’ or ‘cornerstone’
of the project and there was a general view that this was crucial as a building block to providing
women with employment related skills.
The combination or package of approaches was also cited by many research participants as
pivotal. The package of supports typically included a combination of:
modules or strategies (including creative methods) to
address confidence and self-esteem issues;
modules or strategies to develop practical skills;
Collective work with other participants with whom
there was generally a common experience or interest;
mentoring or skills development undertaken on an
individual basis;
Additional supports that were provided or signposted
as required, such as counselling supports etc.
A community development approach
works well as it encourages the participant
to become active in the group, hence
encouraging more confidence by inclusion
in tasks and design of course content.
(Survey, Project Co-ordinator, Strand 1)
This package incorporates specific modules and interventions that sought to support women to
move from negative thinking to positive thinking such as Mood Watchers and the STEPS
programme, some of which were accredited, some of which were not. In addition, the focus on
progression from modules focusing on personal development to a range of skills development
modules was identified as central to success as participants felt that they were dealing with the
issues associated with low levels of confidence and self-esteem for a purpose, which was the
development of other skills that would ultimately lead them to progression in terms of education,
employment or enterprise.
3.7 Key learning
A number of elements that were useful to the success of local projects were identified by the
Focus Group participants and include:
The ethos of the EWM projects was cited by a significant number of research participants
as being pivotal to the success of the project. The initial sessions of the local projects
were regarded as particularly pivotal in setting the tone for the projects and in promoting
positive thinking.
The provision of opportunities for women to take the first step towards the labour
market through engagement with the EWM local projects was seen as crucial. These were
opportunities that many of the participants would not have otherwise had.
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Addressing Gender Barriers to the Labour Market
The creation of a safe space where listening and a caring dimension is created and valued
was regarded as central to the creation of the right environment for building confidence
and achieving aims.
Research participants spoke about the importance of a woman-only environment where
many of the participants had shared experiences and objectives.
The support and encouragement of co-ordinator and tutors was essential.
Socialising and celebration of achievement was also deemed important.
The community-based, participant-(woman) centred nature of the projects was
fundamental to the success of the projects. Participants compared the approach of the
project favourably to other employment interventions.
For some of the local projects, being based in existing support organisations/initiatives
(FRC/ CDP/LESN and other) was also important as it provided back up support during and
beyond the project and signposting to other supports. Opportunities were also provided
for participants to get involved in other activities outside the project which also added to
the development of confidence and skills.
Accreditation was an important issue for some projects and some of the project coordinators highlighted the importance of accreditation to the learning. However,
significant support was often required as previous education experiences had negative
impact on participants’ attitude to formal learning for a significant number of women.
The support and involvement of professionals such as the Local Employment Service
Network (LESN) and others was viewed as very important.
The group learning nature was crucial in creating sustainable ways of working
collectively, often leading to ‘buddy’ learning and peer support. The affirmation from
other women was crucial to the development of confidence and self-esteem and to
challenging fear of failure. At the same time, individual back up support and mentoring
was also considered crucial in order to work with people at their own pace.
Role models as learning strategies were seen as important for participants. Seeing how
other women were able to achieve success was central to demystifying success and
encouraging participants to seek their own progression.
In response to a question about the least helpful interventions, the majority of participants
stated that they did not believe any to be without merit. For the project co-ordinators, the issue
of accreditation was complex often adding layers of difficulty for both project organisers and
participants, with some warnings that accredited modules require additional supports to ensure
participants are able to undertake and pass the assessment requirements.
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Addressing Gender Barriers to the Labour Market
3.8 Link with capacity to access training, education and employment
/ self-employment
When asked whether they think there is a link between self-esteem and the capacity to access
training, education and employment / self-employment, the majority of participants (169 or 99%)
and co-ordinators (22 or 96%) stated that they did, though a small minority of respondents stated
that women are actually better at looking for support than many men and this is not linked with
issues of esteem and confidence.
Table 4: Link with ability to access training, education and employment / self-employment
Link
Yes
No
Total
Participants
169
99%
1
1%
170
100%
Co-ordinators
22
96%
1
4%
23
100%
Better equipped
Participants
Co-ordinators
159
94%
21
96%
11
6%
1
4%
170
100%
22
100%
When asked whether participants were better equipped to
access training, education and employment after the
project, the vast majority of participants (159 or 94%) and
co-ordinators (21 or 96%) stated that they believed they
were.
The understanding that I don’t have to be
alone in a business venture, the ability to
network and share and access knowledge
ideas is hugely supportive. (Participant
Survey, Strand 2)
3.9 Progress towards achieving the aims of the Measure
An important objective of the research assignment was to
…most have gone on to set up and grow
document progress towards achieving the aim of the
their businesses. Some have shelved their
Equality for Women Measure, which is to advance the role
business ideas but have gone on to set up a
of women in the Irish economy and in decision-making at all
different business (Survey, Project Colevels in accordance with the National Women’s Strategy
ordinator, Strand 1)
2007-2016 (NWS). The NWS recognises that a lack of selfbelief and self-confidence acts as a barrier to women’s full equality and participation in society. It
also recognises that roles ascribed to women are sometimes an outcome of stereotyping and of
patriarchal attitudes towards women’s role in society. Interviews with the National Women’s
Council of Ireland (NWCI) and the Network of City & County Enterprise Boards, confirmed that the
issues of self-belief and self-confidence need to be addressed in order for women to achieve
equality in general and specifically within the labour market.
The NWCI also stated that the individualization of the challenges faced by women runs the risk of
militating against collective action to find solutions and can indirectly contribute to a sense that
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Addressing Gender Barriers to the Labour Market
the problems/issues reside in the individual, rather than in a society, that for the most part, is
designed and dominated by men. It was felt that the EWM provides a modest, but significant
opportunity, to collectively address some of these issues.
Participants in the Focus Groups noted that the individualisation of issues such as lack of
confidence can cause women to understand the problem as their individual failure, rather than
ascribing a structural cause. Therefore, addressing these issues is essential at the level of the
individual to enable and facilitate different types and levels of progression. However, given the
aim of the EWM, it is also important that at a programmatic or collective level, that opportunities
be explored for analysing, documenting and bringing to attention the challenges facing women
and the roles and expectations ascribed to them in contemporary Irish society.
An important element for the achievement of full equality for women is the creation of
alternative networks for women in economic life. Though there are a number of them in
existence from which many women derive support, it was suggested that alternative networks
need to be formed that provide an opportunity for women to continue with a collective analysis
of the way society treats women and to provide support to women to ultimately challenge and
create alternatives. Most of the research participants mentioned that the act of bringing women
together collectively was in itself a confidence-building mechanism. It was felt that a network of
women for and of women could be a positive outcome from the EWM. If established, its
sustainability beyond the lifespan of the EWM would pose a resourcing challenge, but such a
network has the potential to be a potent empowerment mechanism where women could support
each other and address collective concerns in the medium to long term.
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Addressing Gender Barriers to the Labour Market
Section 4:
Conclusions & Recommendations
The conclusions and recommendations are framed in the context of the limitations of the sample
size of women and stakeholders consulted with as part of the research process. While the
exploration of the themes - lack of confidence/poor self-esteem and fear of failure yielded
valuable insights and learning, it should be noted that the research is essentially indicative, rather
than definitive. There is a need to undertake more substantial evidence-based research to fully
assess the usefulness of particular models and methodologies in relation to supporting women to
access or progress in the labour market.
Notwithstanding the limitations of the research, it clearly demonstrates that these issues are
complex and multifaceted and are also widespread and prevalent. They represent significant
issues for women from all backgrounds and experiences, but are undoubtedly compounded by
socio-economic factors and negative life experiences. The extent to which women are affected
and impacted by these barriers obviously influences the type and intensity of interventions
required/offered and the research findings suggest that some degree of intervention is required
for the vast majority of EWM participants. This is applicable across all three strands of the EWM
and it pertains to women: accessing employment, developing enterprises or advancing in their
chosen careers.
There was a significant level of consensus that it was necessary to address the issues of lack of
confidence, low self-esteem and fear of failure as a pre-requisite to the development of specific
skills and that this was pivotal to the success of the majority of the projects and to the
progression that participants make to employment, enterprise or education and training. Not
addressing the issue can and has led to higher rates of attrition and to less successful outcomes
for participants and projects.
The issues of lack of confidence, low self-esteem and fear of failure should therefore be a key
consideration and should constitute legitimate eligible costs for the Equality for Women Measure
and all EWM projects. All participating organisations should be encouraged and facilitated to
consider interventions and approaches for addressing the issues as a central part of their
courses/programmes.
However, if the potential of the Measure to achieve its aim of advancing the role of women in the
Irish economy and in decision-making at all levels is to be fully realised, then it would be prudent
to undertake further work on developing women’s capacity to collectively analyse and address
issues of shared concern and mutual interest.
The recommendations of this report advocate for a more structured /prescriptive approach to
the design of the Equality for Women Measure into the future. All projects applying for funding
should be encouraged to undertake where necessary and appropriate, strategies to:
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Addressing Gender Barriers to the Labour Market
1. Address lack of confidence, low self-esteem and fear of failure with participants. While the
nature and degree of this work will be determined by the needs of the participants, an
empowering approach should underlie all aspects of the local projects/programmes;
2. Enhance and bolster specific skills development for progression to employment, career
advancement, enterprise development, education or training, focused on building
women’s strengths and achievement of goals;
3. Develop a collective analysis of the role expected of women in society and how this can
contribute to lack of confidence, low self-esteem, fear of failure and to the perpetuation
of a society within which equality for women can only be an aspiration;
4. Create and sustain contact and networks amongst women according to areas of interest
in the context of the collective analysis developed.
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