How EU-funded projects make an impact on women’s and girls’ lives

On 8 March, we celebrate International Women’s Day under the theme “Give to Gain”, a reminder that when we support and empower women and girls, we strengthen our societies. 

Thanks to the support of EU funding, several projects across health, space and digital innovation are helping improve women’s wellbeing, expand opportunities and foster inclusive excellence. Here is a short selection of EU-funded projects managed by HaDEA. 

Mind the Mum – Improving perinatal mental health 
The EU4Health project Mind the Mum addresses perinatal mental health (PMH), supporting mothers during pregnancy and after childbirth, which is a critical yet often overlooked period. 

The project conducts nationwide needs analyses in Cyprus and Slovenia, building on lessons learned in Poland and Spain. By bringing together healthcare professionals, policymakers and parent advocates, it co-develops prevention measures and practical support tools. 

Through professional training, policy recommendations and public awareness campaigns, Mind the Mum works to reduce stigma and foster open dialogue around maternal mental health, ensuring mothers receive adequate care and understanding. 

FEMaLe – Precision medicine for endometriosis 
Funded under Horizon 2020, the FEMaLe project has advanced precision medicine for endometriosis, a chronic condition affecting millions of women worldwide. 

By combining multi-omics research with artificial intelligence, the project has developed predictive models for earlier diagnosis and personalised treatment. It has also integrated a patient-centred app and innovative surgical tools to improve care pathways. 

Through cutting-edge science and digital innovation, FEMaLe has contributed to better health outcomes, reduced diagnostic delays and improved quality of life for women across Europe. 

ASTRAIOS – Strengthening Europe’s space skills ecosystem 
ASTRAIOS supports Europe’s space competitiveness by aligning education and training with industry needs.  

A key dimension of the project, funded under Horizon Europe ‘Space’, is promoting access to STEM education and careers for women and underrepresented groups. By strengthening inclusive pathways into the space sector, ASTRAIOS helps ensure that Europe’s innovation capacity benefits from diverse talent. 

Encouraging girls and young women to pursue space-related careers today contributes to a more resilient and competitive Europe tomorrow. 

CHIPS of Europe – Empowering girls in semiconductors 
CHIPS of Europe, funded under the Digital Europe Programme, inspires the next generation of women in semiconductors by engaging girls from secondary school onwards.  

Through outreach activities, mentoring and direct interaction with female role models from industry and academia, the project challenges stereotypes and builds confidence. More than 5,000 pupils and teachers have already been reached through over 200 school-focused events. 

By linking schools, universities and semiconductor companies, CHIPS of Europe demonstrates how inclusive education is key to securing Europe’s future digital workforce. 

Discover more about HaDEA-managed EU-funding programmes: 

• EU4Health - European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) 

• Horizon Europe - European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) 

• Digital Europe Programme - European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA)