What is Women into Work?
Women into Work aims to combat discrimination and inequality faced by women who have experienced disadvantage, particularly by having had contact with the Criminal Justice System. By identifying barriers to employment from a female perspective and piloting innovatory means of training, personal development and empowerment, this project aims to ensure women can access and sustain appropriate education, training and employment.

Women into Work also have transnational partners in Germany, France and Sweden.

Why women?
Women continue to be discriminated against in the employment market. On average they earn 80% of men's wages and have fewer opportunities for training, development and promotion. Caring responsibilities can mean that women have shorter and more restricted careers. Offenders and ex-offenders continue to be discriminated against in the labour market. Therefore, women who have experienced involvement in the Criminal Justice System are doubly disadvantaged.

Methodology
The project will be delivered in 3 phases:

Phase 1: Sept 2002-Sept 2003 Peer Research
i) A peer research programme to identify barriers to employment, training and education (sample size 346) was devised.
ii) Three full time Peer Researchers were recruited and trained along with a further 25 women from the target group as sessional trainee researchers.
iii) A research report 'Moving Mountains' was published and launched at a national conference in October 2003.

Phase 2: Sept 2003-May 2005 - Pilot Projects
Based on the findings of the peer research, the Development Partnership has commissioned 4 pilot projects. This has been undertaken in partnership with associate members and with input from women who have participated in the research phase. Pilot projects have the primary objectives of being innovative and empowering. The projects have a minimum delivery length of 12 months and within this time have the opportunity to be involved in transnational work. Each project will be evaluated by the Research Manager throughout.

Phase 3: Ongoing until November 2005- Dissemination and Mainstreaming
The Development Partnership will contribute to the development of policies and practice for unemployed offenders within Europe and in New Deal, Neighbourhood Renewal and Social Inclusion in the UK. The Development Partnership will have an impact upon UK and EU policy by:

• Devising/piloting support activities, which will enable female offenders to become employment ready
• Modifying employers' perceptions by brokering women's skills and experiences
• Improving resettlement services for all institutionalised women including those in other European countries
• Offering models for improvement in Employment, Training and Education support services within prisons, young offender institutions, rehabilitation units and resettlement facilities
• Identifying practices or services that can be mainstreamed if shown to be effective

As part of this process a training programme has been established to disseminate the method of peer research. An OCN accredited course has been designed to cover the theory and practicalities of peer research. The course will equip participants with the knowledge and skills to conduct research and will be available to individuals within organisations who are interested in learning more about the process of peer research and in conducting research within their own organisation.
Anyone interested in the training programme should contact the Peer Dissemination Coordinator.

What is the transnational partnership?
A partnership has been established with projects in Germany, Sweden and France who are all working within the Criminal Justice System. The partnership will exchange ideas, experiences, good practice and develop joint working as appropriate.

The three transnational projects are focusing on the following areas:

France - resettlement, especially in relation to employment

Germany - e-learning in prisons

Sweden - resettlement, peer support and the barriers to resettlement.The thematic areas for transnational work are:-

• Enhancing ICT
• Support to families
• Self employment and links with employers
• Improved partnership working
• Empowerment and participation
• Monitoring and evaluation

Any queries regarding transnational work should be directed to the Transnational Coordinator.