The different experiences of men and women participating in Supported Employment

What is it about?

Supported Employment is an evidence-based intervention to support people with disabilities to employment. In this paper we explored the different experiences of men and women participating in this intervention by interviewing 7 men and 10 women in Supported Employment in Sweden. The interviews showed that men and women mostly have the same views about participating in Supported Employment. They all valued a trustful relationship with the employment specialist and the diversified and individualized support from the employment specialist. But, unlike the men, the women had experienced difficulties receiving SE from authorities, and when receiving SE, they expressed the value of a slow start, being challenged, and whole-life support.

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Photo by Amy Hirschi on Unsplash

Photo by Amy Hirschi on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Gender differences favoring men have been found in standard vocational rehabilitation services as well as in evidenced-based vocational rehabilitation services like Supported Employment both internationally and in Sweden. Raising awareness and knowledge of issues concerning gender equality for women with disabilities is an important responsibility to fulfil the United Nations goal of gender equal rights and opportunities to a well-functioning working life.