Financial institution Santander aids mothers who left work to care for their children in re-entering the workforce
Santander Spain has announced the launch of its new initiative, the "Reencuentra" program, designed to help women who have taken a career break due to family or caregiving responsibilities re-enter the workforce.
The first edition of the program will see one hundred women participating, with fifteen starting this week and the rest being selected between now and the summer. Registration for both women and companies that wish to participate in the program is still open.
Rami Aboukhair, CEO of Santander Spain, stated that the program was created to give women a second chance and to help those who deserve it reconnect with the world of work. The "Reencuentra" program aims to raise society's awareness of the difficulties women face re-entering the job market after years devoted to childcare.
The program offers a comprehensive approach, including skills development tailored to current labor market demands, networking opportunities, coaching to rebuild confidence and professional connections, and mentoring from managers at Santander Bank Smart branches. An outplacement agency is also included to provide training and advice on job search strategies.
Participants will receive a training package, including an office tools refresher course and an online MBA, "The Power MBA". The program also includes a temporary assignment at Santander, as well as training, coaching, and mentoring actions to create value and increase women's employability.
Clara Longares emphasized the isolation felt by women returning to the job market after years devoted to childcare, while Carmen Llorente expressed the struggle of finding a balance between family and career, highlighting the importance of self-belief and contribution to society.
Begoña Valderrama felt that society sometimes makes women feel they are no longer useful after taking a career break for family reasons. Isabel López, one of the participants, believes that motherhood has made her more organized and efficient.
The "Reencuentra" program is part of Santander's "Generación 81" programme, which promotes female role models, education, employment, and entrepreneurship on an equal footing. The program also targets small and medium-sized enterprises as possible employers of this group, given that they account for 99% of the Spanish business fabric and 66% of jobs in Spain.
Santander Spain will continue to work to give women visibility and provide them with the necessary tools to be in control of their own destiny. The employment rate of women decreases as the number of children increases in Spain, with women with three or more offspring having an unemployment rate of up to 26 percentage points higher than those without children. The "Reencuentra" program is a significant step towards addressing this issue and providing opportunities for women to return to the workforce.
- The "Reencuentra" program, sponsored by Santander Spain, is an initiative aimed at health-and-wellness in the context of women's careers, helping those who have taken a break due to family or caregiving responsibilities re-enter the business world.
- In addition to skills development and networking opportunities, the program provides coaching, mentoring, and resources from finance experts, such as an outplacement agency for job search strategies, an office tools refresher course, and an online MBA, "The Power MBA."
- Recognizing the challenges faced by women in returning to the workforce, the "Reencuentra" program also promotes women's careers and encourages the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises, which account for a significant portion of the Spanish business landscape, in the effort.
