Introduction
After the first meeting in Madrid in July 2017, Fundación ONCE officially launched the European Observatory for Inclusive Employment and SDGs in December 2018. Its mission was to raise awareness, build an EU-wide partnership, and conduct a study on the shared challenges and characteristics of social economy organizations and companies employing a significant number of persons with disabilities across Europe.
Originally co-financed by the European Social Fund, the project was set up by a coalition of six organizations from Belgium, the Netherlands, Slovenia, France, Sweden, and Spain, all active in the social economy sector employing persons with disabilities. At the European level, the European Platform for Rehabilitation (EPR) and the European Association of Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities (EASPD) were involved.
Currently, Workability International, the European Disability Forum (EDF) and the Global Business and Disability Network of the International Labour Organization (ILO) participate as observers. After two years of activity, in 2020 the European Observatory for Inclusive Employment and SDGs has evolved into the D-WISE Network, a self-sustaining initiative that is no longer co-funded by the ESF.
Objectives
Analysis of the effectiveness of labor and social inclusion
To analyze how the social economy sector employing significant percentages of workers with disabilities effectively contribute to their labour and social inclusion in Europe.
Analysis of employment models and compliance with Rights
To examine the existing employment models for persons with disabilities in social economy and their alignment with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD).
Policy evaluation and proposal for improvements
To explore policy needs and provide recommendations for decision-makers.
Contribution to the 2030 Agenda
To contribute to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
History
2017
- June
Inaugural gathering.
2018
- December
Kick-off meeting in Brussels.
2019
- First half
Data collection from national partners.
- October
Joint Strategic Discussion Seminar of all partners in Paris.
2020
- June
Publication of Comparative Research Report.
- December
Launch of the D-WISE Network new name, logo and website.
2021
- April
Discussions with MEPs Estrella Durá, Stelios Kympouropoulos and Katrin Langensiepen.
Roundtable Discussion on Social Economy with EU Commissioner Nicolas Schmit.
- October
Webinar in collaboration with the European Platform for Rehabilitation.
2022
- September
High-level event with a representative of the European Commission.
- October
Publication of Social Impact Report for D-WISEs.
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