Eve is working here with us at the 3Si as an Assistant Bid Writer, working on the funding applications for the Erasmus+ program for 3Si and its partner companies. The Erasmus+ program was principally designed in order to improve social cohesion and equality between the different national groups of the EU but it also gives the opportunity to improve equality and cohesion between the sexes as well as students get the opportunity to live and work in a co-gender environment.
Tell us a little bit about what you do. What work placement are you currently doing here in Seville?
I’m currently working as an assistant bid writer here at 3Si. I assist in the Erasmus+ funding applications for the organisation and their partners. My role involves extensive research, writing, proofreading and editing finalised bid applications.
Are you finding your work placement rewarding? If so, why?
Yes, it is a really interesting area of work to be in.The work placement has really opened my eyes to the field of bid writing and it is great to be given the opportunity to be involved in the process at a european level. Becoming more familiar with the Eramsus+ programme itself and the opportunities it creates for european citizens has been extremely valuable and rewarding. I have acquired in-depth knowledge and skills that will be beneficial for future employment.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day serves as a global platform to celebrate the social, cultural, economic and political advances that have been made for and by women. It is also a day for protest, a day to march and raise awareness of the discrimination against women that takes place around the world.
In Mexico this year, thousands of women went on strike to protest against the country’s startling rates of gender-based violence and femicide. Similarly in Seville, organised events took place around the city to highlight the issue in Spain and Latin America. It can be a day to recognise the lived experiences of women and to listen to their stories.
Personally, International women’s day makes me reflect on my own privilege and the opportunities available to me, largely due to my geographical location. Western Europe currently has the highest gender parity rating at 76.7%, and to a large extent, I have reaped the benefits of thi
As a young woman, have you faced any barriers due to your gender in your professional life?
To be honest, I have been fortunate enough to not have faced any discrimitation based on my gender in my working life. This is obviously not the lived experience of all women but I do feel there has been some shift in the discourse. A conversation has been started about some of the practices and policies that have negatively impacted women in terms of employment and career progression.
What kind of measures do you think need to be taken to make the workplace a fairer place?
The culture of work is extremely important. All employees should feel they are treated with respect and that they have an equal opportunity to advance in their position. Diversity in the workforce can lead to a more inclusive culture. I also think it is important to have a level of transparency when it comes to salaries, to ensure that discrepancies between the genders are addressed.
As a society, we need to examine some of the professions that women predominantly occupy, such as caring roles, and place a higher societal and monetary value on this important work.
As an Erasmus student living in a different country, do you feel any difference between your country and Spain in terms of equality?
On a personal level, I haven’t noticed any extreme differences between Ireland and Spain when it comes to equality.The working environment seems much more relaxed here; there is a real sense that everyone is on equal footing. The staff are valued and respected irrespective of their backgrounds.
Do you think the Erasmus+ programme makes the world more equal?
Central to the Erasmus+ programme is the idea of equal opportunity and promoting equity and inclusion. It strives to include participants from a range of backgrounds, including gender, age, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation and disability. Many of its projects are directly invested in promoting gender equality and building education opportunities for females. I think participation in transnational activities through Erasmus+ can be extremely beneficial in terms of promoting equal respect, dignity and opportunity for all.