Women’s resource centre for Sta. Coloma

Santa Coloma de Gramenet will create the only innovation centre in the entire state dedicated exclusively to women. It will be located in the former Ciba -Geigy chemicals and pharmaceuticals factory with 6,000 m² and will become a resource centre for women, offering counseling services, occupational guidance, support for business projects, and workshops to promote employability. It will also have an area dedicated to the historical memory of women and an archive. The proposal aims to create a space focussed on the empowerment of women in all spheres of life similar to other centres in Europe and North America and form part of the network of centres that work together to improve the quality of the lives of women. It also wants to attract research groups and courses.

The initial investment is €2.9 million, with €2.2 million for the reconversion paid for by municipal funds and the remaining €750,000 coming from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Mayoress Núria Parlón stressed the importance of this initiative focused on women. “This is the group that suffers most from poverty and have more difficulties in employment,” citing figures showing the disparity of unemployment between men and women. The first phase will be operational in early 2019.