Eye Contact - Women and Occupation

“Eye Contact - Women and Occupation” is a program supporting professional self-determination to improve the lives of women. The title “Eye Contact” refers to women having the ability to look themselves and others in the eyes with confidence. Together women can learn from and support each other through their professional endeavors. The program has been successfully carried out at the Karlsruhe Public Library in Germany for ten years, taking place on a monthly basis. The objective is to encourage and empower women to actively change their professional situation. This is especially important for women who have little education. Through this program they will learn that applying acquired information and skills are crucial factors for succeeding in the job market. “Eye Contact - Women and Occupation” was inspired by daily consulting work in the library and is held in cooperation with another institution: a non-profit vocational counseling centre for women. It became evident that many female patrons were interested in acquiring information on the same topics. Therefore a monthly lecture was created that integrates all these topics and reaches a large female audience at once. After the event, participants have time to get information about the Karlsruhe Public Library and the services we provide. In the library they find a safe place for start learning and keep on learning according to their own need and possibilities. They are free to learn for themselves during opening hours throughout the week.