The Local Support Network in Poland was created as part of the CoHER project to bring women in construction-related vocational education and training (VET) closer together, offering connection, support, and a sense of belonging. Participants can use the online platform to ask questions, share experiences, and seek advice on challenges ranging from career choices to confronting stereotypes. This initiative complements the project’s wider efforts to address Europe’s persistent gender imbalance in the construction sector through educational reform and community-building.
The idea behind the Support Network is simple: no one should navigate this path alone. Its dedicated forum allows users to connect with others facing similar challenges, promoting honest conversations that might otherwise be difficult to have. The network helps participants by:
- Offering guidance on career choices and practical advice,
- Providing support in dealing with stereotypes,
- Connecting users with others facing similar challenges,
- Creating opportunities to hear “I’ve been through that too” from peers or mentors.
For many women entering construction, one of the biggest challenges is the lack of visible role models and supportive professional circles. This is where the network can make a real difference. By bringing together students, educators, and industry professionals, it creates opportunities to learn from each other in a more informal and accessible way.
What makes this space particularly meaningful is its local focus. While the CoHER project operates internationally, the Polish network allows discussions to reflect real, everyday contexts – local education systems, workplaces, and cultural realities. This makes the support more relevant and easier to apply in practice.
The network also complements other project activities, such as mentorship, training, and cooperation with industry partners. It acts as a bridge between these elements, helping participants stay connected and engaged over time. Instead of support being limited to specific events or sessions, it becomes something continuous – available whenever someone needs it.
At the same time, the platform is designed to grow and adapt. Feedback from participants helps shape how the network develops, ensuring it stays useful and responsive to real needs. This ongoing dialogue is essential, because creating a more inclusive construction sector is not something that happens overnight – it requires listening, adjusting, and working together.
The CoHER Local Support Network in Poland is, above all, a space for community. It encourages women to speak up, share their journeys, and support one another in building careers in construction. And while each individual step may seem small, together they contribute to a larger shift – towards a sector where women feel more confident, visible, and supported.
Fundacja “Fundusz Inicjatyw”
