EU PROGRES

Within the project “Economic Empowerment of Women in Raška”, 16 women learned to produce souvenirs, while 19 persons were educated for tourism guides in order to gain employment. The project was implemented by the Raška Gender Equality Council with the financial support of 3,360 Euros from the European Union and the Government of Switzerland through the European Partnership with Municipalities Programme - EU PROGRES.

The women during the workshop determined which stories, legends, specialties and other authenticities could adequately represent Raška. They learned how to form a price, create their own brand and promote products, as well as a number of other useful ways to develop a business. During the workshop, they have created their own brand “Girls from Raška”, and four thematic souvenirs – happy boletus on Ibar stone, fir trees and blueberries as bookmarkers, brooch "Flower from Kopaonik" and napkin rings.  Their Facebook page is now the main channel for sales.

Training for national tourism guides have been attended by 14 women and five men, where they learned about tourism, potentials, procedures and regulations, as well as about national history. Upon knowledge test about tourism and foreign language, all participants got an opportunity to acquire a certificate for tour guides.