Initiative

Manual on reconciliation in SMEs, Woman in business, Women on Chamber Boards, Zukunft. Frauen, Technic rocks

Summary of the initiative

The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (Wirtschaftskammer Österreich or WKÖ) is   the national umbrella organisation for the nine State Chambers and 110 trade associations for different industries. Membership is compulsory and includes all Austrian companies in operation. This encompasses some 430,000 businesses drawn from a diverse selection of business areas such as trade and craft, commerce, industry, transportation, tourism, services industries, finance and insurance.

A manual on "Reconciliation of Family and Work for Small and Medium Enterprises" was published by the Federal Economic Chamber and the Federal Ministry of Economy, Family and Youth in order to promote better reconciliation of family and work. This publication was revised and supplemented in 2013. The brochure offers arguments for more family-friendliness and practical advice for enterprises on concrete measures they can immediately implement.

“Woman in business” is a network within the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber for 100,000 female entrepreneurs in Austria. Women lead around 33 % of Austrian companies. One focal point is lobbying for a better reconciliation of family and entrepreneurship.

“Women on Chamber Boards” is part of the EU project “Women on board of local development” started in 2007. The aim of the project is to promote women in decision-making positions within the Chamber. This project is a follow-up to the project “Chamber against stereotypes”. The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber - Women in Business is also the project leader of the working group “Women on Board of local development” with the objective of developing guidelines to increase the presence of women in Chamber boards at all levels.  “Zukunft.Frauen” is a programme for female leaders initiated by the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, together with the Federation of Austrian Industries and the Federal Ministry of Economy, Family and Youth. It aims at the promotion of women in decision-making positions. "Zukunft.Frauen" consists of various activities: workshops, network building and mentoring with top-class lecturers and expert discussions. Building up a publicly accessible database for women in supervisory boards is another important part of the initiative.

“Technic rocks”: is a campaign initiated by the Chamber of Salzburg, which aims at the promotion of technical education in elementary schools and high schools. It draws attention to the different working options and further education in this fascinating and future-oriented field. In 2009 a new Science Centre was opened, to further enhance and promote interest in research, science and technology.