Funding for Regional Initiatives and Cooperations for Women in the Labour Market (RIKA)
The State of Lower Saxony specifically supports the equal opportunities for women in the workplace with its program “Regional Initiatives and Cooperations for Women in the Labour Market (RIKA)”. This funding program, co-financed by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), enables the establishment and operation of coordination offices as well as the implementation of specific projects for women's qualification, business start-up, and networking. The goal is to improve equal opportunities and the reconciliation of work and family or care responsibilities.
Who is funded
The “Regional Initiatives and Cooperations for Women in the Labour Market (RIKA)” program supports public and private legal entities in Lower Saxony that are committed to promoting gender equality in the workplace for women. This includes both the establishment and operation of coordination offices and the implementation of specific labour market projects for women.
What is funded
A variety of projects that strengthen the professional development of women in Lower Saxony are funded. This includes the establishment and operation of “Coordination Offices for Women and Business” as well as specific RIKA projects that promote equal labour market participation for women through qualification, business start-up, and networking.
Type and Scope of Funding
Funding is provided as a non-repayable grant with varying funding rates depending on the program area (MDR or TR). Project durations are fixed, with the possibility of exceptions for certain project types. The grant is awarded as a co-financing contribution or a lump sum.
Conditions and Requirements
The application process and project implementation are subject to strict conditions, ranging from applicant eligibility and compliance with regional requirements to specific quality criteria and aid rules. Special attention is paid to ensuring overall financing and considering overarching goals such as equality and non-discrimination.
Application Procedure
The application procedure for funding Regional Initiatives and Cooperations for Women in the Labour Market (RIKA) is two-tiered: coordination offices apply for funding based on specific project calls, while RIKA projects can generally be submitted on an ongoing basis. Applications are submitted via the Investment and Development Bank of Lower Saxony (NBank).
Legal Basis
The funding program “Regional Initiatives and Cooperations for Women in the Labour Market (RIKA)” is based on a specific guideline from the State of Lower Saxony, supplemented by several EU regulations and general administrative provisions. These legal bases ensure compatibility with European state aid law and regulate administrative processes.
Similar Programs
No similar programs found.
Funding Overview
Funding Status:
Open
Maximum Amount:
Up to 60% of eligible expenses
Deadline:
always open
Open Until:
31.12.2029
Award Channel:
Unknown
Region:
Lower Saxony (districts of Celle, Cuxhaven, Harburg, Heidekreis, Lüchow-Dannenberg, Lüneburg, Osterholz, Rotenburg (Wümme), Stade, Uelzen, Verden, and the rest of the state)
Sectors:
Social Enterprises, Information and Communication Technology, Research and Development, Other
Beneficiaries:
Women in the labour market, female entrepreneurs
Application Type:
Optional Consortium
Funding Stages:
Planning, Implementation, Capacity Building, Basic Research, Applied Research, Experimental Development
Funding Provider
Program Level:
Regional
Funding Body:
Lower Saxony Ministry for Social Affairs, Labour, Health and Equality
Managed By:
Investment and Development Bank of Lower Saxony (NBank)
Additional Partners:
Local education providers, companies, relevant stakeholders, cooperation partners, Offices for Regional State Development (ArL)