MIR Foundation at the heart of European industry in Paris: Building a future with more opportunities for Women in industry
On March 30–31, 2026, in Lyon and Paris, France, the final transnational partnership meeting of the EMPOWERING – Empowering M-Women in Industry project was held. The event brought together partners from several European countries (Macedonia, France, Poland, and Italy) with a shared mission – to strengthen the role of women in the industrial sector and to create a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable industrial future.
The Foundation for Management and Industrial Research (MIR) was actively represented by the Executive director Gabriela Kostovska Bogoeska and the Program manager Emilija Andonova, who made a significant contribution to the discussions, exchange of experiences, and definition of the next steps for the implementation and dissemination of project results.
The first day was dedicated to the finalization of key project activities – project management, financial reporting, quality assurance, and preparation for final dissemination. Partners aligned on the final steps for publishing the results on European platforms and ensuring their further use and visibility.
The development of the EMPOWERING Toolkit was also in focus, including the LearnHub platform with over 150 resources, as well as programs aimed at skills development and future readiness for women in industry. Additionally, coaching programs, webinars, and the open badges system were discussed – tools with strong potential to create long-term impact across Europe. Special emphasis was placed on strategies for exploitation and sustainability of the project results through the development of European handbooks, white papers, and practical guidelines for industry and young women. These efforts are essential for transforming the industrial sector into a more open and equitable space for all.
The second day took place within the renowned Global Industrie event in Paris, where participants had the opportunity to explore the latest technological advancements, industrial trends, and career development opportunities. A particularly important highlight was participation in the “Women in Industry” dialogue, which brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and program ambassadors, focusing on advancing the position of women in the industrial sector.
As part of this event, a meeting was also held with Sébastien Martin, Minister Delegate for Industry of France, representing an exceptionally important opportunity for direct exchange of views and priorities at the European level. This meeting emphasized the importance of developing policies that actively support women’s participation in industry, as well as the need to strengthen collaboration between institutions, industry, and organizations working in the fields of innovation and equal opportunities.
In addition, meetings were held with prominent female leaders and organizations, along with visits to companies addressing key industrial challenges, further reinforcing MIR Foundation’s role as a relevant partner within the European context. Through its active participation, the Foundation for Management and Industrial Research once again confirmed its role as a relevant European partner, committed to fostering innovation, strengthening capacities, and creating opportunities for women in industry. This participation represents an important step toward building stronger partnerships, exchanging knowledge, and implementing solutions that will have a long-term impact – not only at the national level, but across Europe.
