A proposed project for the lifting of impediments and discrimination against women technical staff in the labor market, head-sponsored by the Federation of Greek Industries (SEV), has been approved under the European Union-subsidized program “Equal,” a press release announced yesterday.

“The proposal was judged as particularly successful and was assessed as one of the most comprehensive and innovative,” SEV said.

The project,which will be launched soon and is estimated for completion in 2004, aims to support and increase the employment of women in technical occupations through the promotion of equal opportunities for integration and professional advancement. Especially innovative elements of the proposal were the ideas of inaugurating a Standing Monitor for women’s employment in technical occupations, of a permanent office for professional support, and the establishment of equality councils in firms.

The group of organizations participating in the project also includes the National Technical University, the companies Silver & Baryte, the Olympic Village, Data Bank, BPM business consultants, Centrum, Ago Hellas, Inforec and the Association of Greek Women Scientists.

The project will be initiated with a pilot program for jobless women engineers and technicians to find employment, and the promotion of opportunities for working from home and further professional training.