Are you a mother who dreams of returning to the workforce, but feels the barriers of time, skills, or opportunities?


The European project WebMoms: Empowering Mothers in Tech – Project Reference 2024-1-IT01-KA210-VET-000251486, co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, is here to support you.

Our mission is simple: to empower mothers in Italy and the Netherlands with the technical and soft skills they need to restart their careers with confidence.

Through a structured training pathway, participants will learn Full Stack Web Development, one of the most in-demand skills in today’s job market. Alongside technical training, mothers will also receive guidance in soft skills — from communication and teamwork, to time management, problem-solving, and self-awareness.

But that’s not all.
The project also provides:

  • Employability sessions, including CV review, LinkedIn and GitHub support, and personal portfolio creation.
  • A dedicated Career Day, where graduates can meet HR professionals from tech companies and explore real job opportunities.
  • A community platform, with job offers and networking opportunities shared through a dedicated Discord server.

Our specific objectives are to:
âś” Equip mothers with the technical skills required in the ICT sector.
âś” Provide transversal competences essential for professional success.
âś” Increase employability through real connections with companies and recruiters.

The expected results?
âś… Stronger digital and professional skills.
âś… Greater self-confidence and awareness.
âś… A valuable network of contacts in the tech sector.
âś… And most importantly, many mothers successfully re-entering the labor market.

🌍 The Partnership

The project brings together three committed organizations:

  • Una Quantum inc APS (Italy) – Lead partner, specializing in open-source technologies, coding, and digital training.
  • Euro Mamme ASD (Italy) – Supporting mothers facing barriers to employment and promoting social inclusion.
  • Stichting Social Hacker NL (Netherlands) – Experts in coding and innovative digital education, with a focus on social impact.

Together, we share a vision: to make the digital world inclusive, accessible, and full of opportunities for mothers.

WebMoms: Empowering Mothers in Tech is more than a project — it’s a new beginning.

A chance for mothers to rediscover their potential, gain future-proof skills, and balance family and career in a flexible way.

Join us in this journey of empowerment.
Because every mother deserves the opportunity to shine — in life, and in work.

Module 1

Self-awareness and Emotional Management

Hello and welcome to this first video lesson of our online training course “Soft Skills for Mothers Returning to Work”, created within the European project WebMoms: Empowering Mothers in Tech – Project Reference 2024-1-IT01-KA210-VET-000251486, co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.

This journey has been designed especially for mothers who want to re-enter the labor market, who feel the need to rediscover their potential, and who are ready to embrace new professional opportunities.

Very often, when we take a break from work for family reasons, we risk forgetting who we are in a professional sense. We sometimes hear that we are “out of the market” or that we “lack updated skills.” But the truth is that motherhood itself is an extraordinary school of life — a school that has given you resilience, organizational ability, problem-solving capacity, empathy, and creativity. These are all soft skills that employers look for today.

Part 1 – What is Self-awareness?

Self-awareness is the ability to truly know yourself. It is about recognizing your strengths, your values, and even your limitations.
For example, maybe you are very good at organizing family schedules, managing unexpected situations, or motivating your children when they face difficulties. These are not just private talents — they are professional skills.

Think about this: if you can handle three children, prepare meals, help with homework, and organize daily life, all while keeping calm under pressure… then you already have experience in project management, multitasking, and stress management.

Self-awareness allows you to see yourself from this perspective: not as someone who needs to “start from zero,” but as a woman who already brings value to any work environment.

Part 2 – Emotional Management and Resilience

Re-entering the labor market is not only a practical challenge, it is also an emotional one. You may feel fear, doubt, or even guilt. Perhaps you wonder if you are still “good enough” for the professional world, or if you will be able to balance work and family responsibilities.

This is where emotional intelligence becomes essential. Emotional intelligence means being able to recognize your emotions, manage them in a healthy way, and also understand the emotions of others. Imagine an interview situation: your nervousness is normal, but if you are aware of it, you can use breathing techniques to calm down and transform that energy into positive determination.

Resilience is the other key word. It doesn’t mean avoiding difficulties, but facing them with strength and adaptability. Every mother knows what resilience means: nights without sleep, unexpected illnesses, endless commitments — yet somehow, you always find a way. This same strength can be applied to your professional life.

Part 3 – Practical Exercises

Let’s look at some practical tools that you can apply right away:

  1. The Personal Competence Map
    Take a sheet of paper and divide it into three columns: “My Strengths,” “My Passions,” and “Areas to Improve.” Fill them in honestly. This will give you a clearer picture of who you are today and where you want to go.
  2. The Stress Diary
    For one week, every evening, write down one situation that made you feel stressed. Then note how you reacted. At the end of the week, review your notes: could you have responded differently? What strategies worked well?
  3. The Empowerment Routine
    Choose a short affirmation that resonates with you, such as “I am capable, I am learning, I am ready for new opportunities.” Repeat it every morning, preferably in front of the mirror. Over time, this positive self-talk will influence your mindset and strengthen your confidence.

Final Reflection

Before we close this lesson, I would like you to stop for a moment and think: What has motherhood taught me that I can use in the workplace?
Write down three answers. Keep them with you, because they will be the first step in building your personal portfolio of soft skills.

Conclusion

You are not starting from scratch. You are starting from experience.
And this experience, if recognized and communicated effectively, will become your strength.

This training is part of the project WebMoms: Empowering Mothers in Tech – Project Reference 2024-1-IT01-KA210-VET-000251486, co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.

Thank you for joining this first module. In our next video lesson, we will dive into the world of communication and storytelling — essential tools to present yourself with clarity, confidence, and authenticity in professional contexts.

Module 2

Communication and Storytelling

Hello and welcome back to our training journey “Soft Skills for Mothers Returning to Work”, developed within the European project WebMoms: Empowering Mothers in Tech – Project Reference 2024-1-IT01-KA210-VET-000251486, co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.

In our first lesson, we explored self-awareness and emotional management. We learned how to recognize our strengths and transform them into professional skills.
Now it is time to take the next step: learning how to communicate effectively and how to tell our story in a way that inspires and convinces others.

Part 1 – Why Communication Matters

In any professional setting, communication is not just about the words we say. It is about how we say them, how we listen, and how we connect with others.

Think about an interview, a team meeting, or even a casual networking event. The way you communicate can make the difference between being remembered as “just another candidate” or being seen as a professional with personality, clarity, and confidence.

For mothers re-entering the labor market, communication is also about rebuilding identity. You are not just “a mom who took a break.” You are a professional who has lived experiences, developed resilience, and is now ready to contribute with new energy. How you present this narrative will shape the perception others have of you.

Part 2 – The Three Pillars of Effective Communication

  1. Assertiveness
    Being assertive means expressing your ideas clearly and respectfully, without being aggressive or passive. For example, instead of saying “I’m not sure if I can do this”, you might say “I am confident I can handle this task, and I am eager to learn more where needed.”
  2. Active Listening
    Communication is a two-way process. Listening carefully, showing empathy, and responding thoughtfully are as important as speaking. In a team context, active listening builds trust and collaboration.
  3. Non-verbal Language
    Tone of voice, body posture, facial expressions — they all communicate as much as words do. A smile, steady eye contact, or an open posture can make you appear more confident and approachable.

Part 3 – The Power of Storytelling

Facts and data are important, but stories are what people remember. Storytelling allows you to present your journey in a way that is authentic and engaging.

Imagine this scenario:
At a job interview, instead of simply saying “I managed my family responsibilities for 5 years”, you could say:
“During the last five years, while raising my children, I developed strong organizational and problem-solving skills. For example, I created systems to manage time efficiently, even when facing unexpected challenges. These skills are directly transferable to managing projects in the workplace.”

This transforms what some might see as a “gap” into a strength. Storytelling reframes your experiences, showing them as valuable assets.

Part 4 – Practical Exercises

Let’s practice together with a few activities you can try after this lesson:

  1. The Elevator Pitch
    Imagine you meet a potential employer in an elevator and have 60 seconds to introduce yourself. Write and rehearse a short speech where you explain who you are, what you can do, and what you are looking for.
  2. Storytelling Your Career Break
    Write a short paragraph about your time away from the job market. Instead of focusing on the absence of work, highlight what you have gained — skills, values, new perspectives.
  3. Role-play Interviews
    Ask a friend or another course participant to simulate an interview. Practice answering questions with clarity, using both words and non-verbal language consciously.

Final Reflection

Communication is more than a skill — it is your bridge to opportunities. When you speak with authenticity, when you listen with empathy, and when you tell your story with confidence, you make yourself visible and memorable.

Remember: your story matters. It is unique, powerful, and it has the potential to inspire others.

Conclusion

This lesson is part of the project WebMoms: Empowering Mothers in Tech – Project Reference 2024-1-IT01-KA210-VET-000251486, co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.

Thank you for being here. In the next lesson, we will explore another crucial area: teamwork and collaborative leadership — learning how to work effectively with others and transform your natural abilities as a mother into powerful professional teamwork skills.

Module 3

Teamwork and Collaborative Leadership

Hello and welcome back to our online course “Soft Skills for Mothers Returning to Work”, created within the European project WebMoms: Empowering Mothers in Tech – Project Reference 2024-1-IT01-KA210-VET-000251486, co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.

In the first two modules, we worked on self-awareness and emotional intelligence, and then on communication and storytelling. Now it’s time to explore a skill that no professional career can do without: the ability to work in a team and to practice collaborative leadership.

Part 1 – Why Teamwork is Essential

Modern workplaces, especially in the tech and digital world, are highly collaborative. Rarely do we work alone; instead, we are part of teams where different people, with different skills and personalities, come together to achieve a common goal.

For mothers returning to the labor market, teamwork can sometimes feel intimidating — you may think, “Will I fit in? Will my contributions be valued?” The answer is yes. In fact, motherhood itself has given you an incredible foundation for teamwork. Think about coordinating family schedules, working with teachers, doctors, or other parents — you have already been part of complex “teams” where cooperation and communication were essential.

Part 2 – The Qualities of a Good Team Member

Being a valuable team member means:

  • Cooperation: being willing to support others and share responsibilities.
  • Respect: valuing the opinions and contributions of colleagues.
  • Reliability: doing what you promise and delivering on time.
  • Flexibility: adapting when circumstances change.

Remember, teamwork is not about being perfect. It’s about being trustworthy and supportive, so that others know they can rely on you.

Part 3 – Collaborative Leadership

Leadership is not only about being a manager or a boss. It is about the way you influence and inspire others.

Collaborative leadership means guiding a group not by authority, but by empathy, cooperation, and example. Mothers often do this naturally: you motivate your children, encourage them, and lead by showing. These same qualities are highly appreciated in modern workplaces, where leadership is about building trust and bringing out the best in others.

For example, a collaborative leader will:

  • Encourage everyone’s voice to be heard.
  • Resolve conflicts in a constructive way.
  • Celebrate team achievements, not only individual ones.

Part 4 – Practical Exercises

Here are three exercises to strengthen your teamwork and leadership skills:

  1. Team Project Simulation
    Choose a simple project — for example, planning a community event. Work with two or three other participants and divide roles: organizer, communicator, time manager. Notice how each role contributes to the success of the project.
  2. Conflict Role-play
    With a partner, simulate a situation of disagreement. Practice finding a solution that respects both points of view.
  3. Leadership Reflection
    Write down a moment in your family life where you acted as a leader — maybe helping your children cooperate or resolving a family problem. Then think: how can I apply this same approach in a professional team?

Final Reflection

Teamwork is not about losing your individuality; it’s about contributing your uniqueness to a bigger picture. And collaborative leadership is not about control, but about guidance, inspiration, and empathy.

You already have these skills within you. This course is simply helping you recognize them, refine them, and prepare to use them in your professional journey.

Conclusion

This lesson is part of the project WebMoms: Empowering Mothers in Tech – Project Reference 2024-1-IT01-KA210-VET-000251486, co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.

Thank you for following this third module. In our next session, we will explore another key competence: time management and organization — a crucial skill to balance work responsibilities with family life, and to reduce stress while increasing productivity.

Module 4

Time Management and Organization

Hello and welcome back to our online training course “Soft Skills for Mothers Returning to Work”, developed within the European project WebMoms: Empowering Mothers in Tech – Project Reference 2024-1-IT01-KA210-VET-000251486, co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.

So far, we have explored three essential areas: self-awareness and emotional intelligence, communication and storytelling, and teamwork with collaborative leadership. In this fourth module, we focus on a skill that is crucial both at home and in the workplace: time management and organization.

Part 1 – Why Time Management Matters

Time is one of the most precious resources we have — and one of the hardest to control. As mothers, you already know the challenge of balancing multiple responsibilities: family, children, household, and personal commitments. When returning to the labor market, you add another layer — professional responsibilities.

Good time management does not mean doing everything. It means making conscious choices about what is important, setting priorities, and creating systems that help you reduce stress and increase effectiveness.

Part 2 – Common Challenges for Mothers Returning to Work

When reintegrating into the workplace, many mothers face:

  • The feeling of “not having enough hours in a day.”
  • Difficulty balancing work schedules with family needs.
  • The tendency to put themselves last on the list of priorities.

The truth is, you cannot add more hours to your day. But you can decide how to use them more effectively.

Part 3 – Practical Tools and Strategies

Let’s look at some of the most effective techniques:

  1. The Eisenhower Matrix
    This tool helps you divide tasks into four categories:
    • Urgent and important
    • Important but not urgent
    • Urgent but not important
    • Neither urgent nor important
      The key is to focus on what is important, not just what is urgent.
  2. The Pomodoro Technique
    Work in focused blocks of 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break. After four cycles, take a longer pause. This boosts concentration and prevents burnout.
  3. Digital Tools for Organization
    Platforms like Google Calendar, Trello, or Notion can help you plan tasks, share responsibilities, and keep track of deadlines.
  4. Decluttering Your Time
    Just like you declutter your home, declutter your schedule. Remove activities that don’t add value to your goals. Learn to say “no” when necessary.

Part 4 – Work-Life Balance

Time management is not just about work. It is also about ensuring you make space for family, rest, and yourself. Without balance, even the best organizational tools will not work.

Here are three golden rules:

  • Plan family time as seriously as you plan work tasks. Put it in your calendar.
  • Protect your personal time. Even 30 minutes a day for yourself can recharge your energy.
  • Be flexible. Unexpected events happen — with children, even more so. The goal is not perfection, but adaptability.

Part 5 – Practical Exercises

  1. Weekly Planning
    On Sunday evening, plan your week. Include work tasks, family activities, and personal time. Identify your three “must-do” priorities.
  2. Time Audit
    For three days, track how you spend every hour. At the end, review where your time goes. You may discover activities that can be reduced or delegated.
  3. Morning Ritual
    Create a short routine that helps you start the day with clarity: for example, reviewing your tasks, setting one key goal, and repeating a motivational affirmation.

Final Reflection

Time management is not about control — it is about freedom. Freedom to dedicate energy to what truly matters, without being overwhelmed by the chaos of everyday life.
Remember: you are already an expert at organizing others. Now it’s time to use those skills to organize your own professional and personal growth.

Conclusion

This training is part of the project WebMoms: Empowering Mothers in Tech – Project Reference 2024-1-IT01-KA210-VET-000251486, co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.

Thank you for joining this fourth module. In our next and final lesson, we will focus on digital transversal skills and the growth mindset — exploring how to embrace technology with confidence and keep learning continuously in the future world of work.

Module 5

Digital Transversal Skills and Growth Mindset

Hello and welcome to the final module of our training course “Soft Skills for Mothers Returning to Work”, created within the European project WebMoms: Empowering Mothers in Tech – Project Reference 2024-1-IT01-KA210-VET-000251486, co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.

We have already explored self-awareness, communication, teamwork, and time management. Now it is time to look ahead, into the future of work. Today we will talk about digital transversal skills and the importance of adopting a growth mindset.

Part 1 – Why Digital Skills Matter

In today’s job market, especially in the tech and digital sectors, having basic digital competence is no longer optional — it is essential.
Digital transversal skills are not about becoming a programmer or an IT specialist. They are about using digital tools effectively in any job role.

Examples include:

  • Communicating through professional emails and online platforms.
  • Collaborating with teams remotely using tools like Zoom, Trello, or Google Workspace.
  • Managing digital calendars and deadlines.
  • Understanding online safety and protecting your personal data.

These are skills that every professional, regardless of the sector, needs to master. And the good news is: you can learn them step by step, through practice.

Part 2 – Overcoming Fear of Technology

Many mothers returning to work feel anxious about the speed of technological change. Maybe you think: “I’m not good with computers” or “I’m too old to learn new tools.”

But let’s be clear: technology is just a set of tools, and tools can be learned. Think about how you once learned to use a smartphone or a social media app. At the beginning it felt confusing, but then, with practice, it became natural. The same applies to professional digital tools.

The key is to replace fear with curiosity.

Part 3 – The Growth Mindset

This brings us to the concept of the growth mindset, developed by psychologist Carol Dweck.
A fixed mindset says: “I’m not good at this, I’ll never improve.”
A growth mindset says: “I’m not good at this yet, but I can learn.”

This small change of perspective makes a huge difference. It allows you to see mistakes as opportunities to grow, and challenges as steps toward progress.

For example, imagine you are asked to use a new software at work. With a fixed mindset, you may feel blocked. With a growth mindset, you accept the challenge, ask for help, and practice until you succeed. Employers love this attitude, because it shows adaptability.

Part 4 – Practical Activities

Here are three simple ways to practice your digital skills and growth mindset:

  1. Learn One New Tool
    Pick a free digital tool, like Google Drive, Canva, or Trello. Watch a short tutorial online, then try it out by creating a small project.
  2. Digital Collaboration Challenge
    Partner with another participant and collaborate online to create a simple document or presentation. Focus on learning the process, not on perfection.
  3. Mindset Journal
    Each time you face a new challenge, write down:
    • What I felt at first
    • What I tried
    • What I learned
      Over time, you will see your progress clearly.

Final Reflection

The future of work is digital, but it is also human. Employers are not only looking for technical skills — they want people who are adaptable, collaborative, and willing to learn. By combining your digital skills with a growth mindset, you will always stay relevant, no matter how the world of work changes.

Remember: you are not starting from zero. You already have resilience, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Now you also have the mindset to keep learning and the tools to navigate a digital environment with confidence.

Conclusion

This lesson is part of the project WebMoms: Empowering Mothers in Tech – Project Reference 2024-1-IT01-KA210-VET-000251486, co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.

With this fifth module, our journey together comes to an end. You now have a complete set of soft skills: self-awareness, communication, teamwork, time management, and digital adaptability. Use them with confidence as you take your next steps into the professional world.

Thank you for being part of this learning experience. And remember: your story matters, your skills are valuable, and your future is in your hands.

đź“‹ Self-Assessment Quiz

WebMoms: Empowering Mothers in Tech
Project Reference: 2024-1-IT01-KA210-VET-000251486 – Co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union

Section 1 – Self-awareness & Emotional Management

  1. How confident do you feel about identifying your strengths and transferable skills?
    • A. Very confident
    • B. Somewhat confident
    • C. Not very confident
    • D. Not confident at all
  2. When facing stress or challenges, how often do you use techniques to manage your emotions (e.g., breathing, positive self-talk, reflection)?
    • A. Always
    • B. Often
    • C. Sometimes
    • D. Rarely

Section 2 – Communication & Storytelling

  1. How comfortable are you introducing yourself in a professional context (interview, networking event, online meeting)?
    • A. Very comfortable
    • B. Fairly comfortable
    • C. A little uncomfortable
    • D. Very uncomfortable
  2. Can you describe your career break (time away from work) as a story that highlights your strengths and experiences?
    • A. Yes, confidently
    • B. Yes, but I need more practice
    • C. Not yet, but I’m working on it
    • D. Not at all

Section 3 – Teamwork & Collaborative Leadership

  1. In a team setting, I usually…
    • A. Contribute ideas and listen to others actively
    • B. Contribute sometimes, but hesitate to speak up
    • C. Prefer to follow instructions without much input
    • D. Avoid group tasks if possible
  2. Leadership for me means… (open question)

Section 4 – Time Management & Organization

  1. How do you usually plan your tasks?
    • A. I use digital tools (calendar, Trello, apps)
    • B. I use a notebook or planner
    • C. I keep everything in my head
    • D. I don’t usually plan, I react day by day
  2. Do you feel you can balance personal and professional responsibilities effectively?
    • A. Yes, most of the time
    • B. Sometimes, but I struggle
    • C. Rarely
    • D. Not at all

Section 5 – Digital Skills & Growth Mindset

  1. How would you describe your current digital skills?
    • A. Advanced (I can use several tools independently)
    • B. Intermediate (I use some tools but want to improve)
    • C. Basic (I know the essentials)
    • D. Very limited
  2. When learning something new, my first thought is usually:
  • A. “This is a challenge, I will figure it out.”
  • B. “I might need help, but I can learn.”
  • C. “This is difficult, I’m not sure I can do it.”
  • D. “I probably can’t do this.”

Section 6 – Reflection

  1. Write down one soft skill you feel most confident about.
  2. Write down one skill you want to improve in the next 3 months.
  3. What is your biggest motivation to return to the workforce? (open question)

👉 At the end of the quiz, participants can calculate their results by reflecting on their answers:

  • Mostly A: Strong confidence and readiness — keep practicing and applying your skills.
  • Mostly B: Good foundation, but practice will help you grow further.
  • Mostly C/D: You are at the beginning of this journey — use the tools from this course to build step by step.

Glossary – WebMoms: Empowering Mothers in Tech

Project Reference: 2024-1-IT01-KA210-VET-000251486 – Co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union

Soft Skills

Personal and social abilities that complement technical knowledge, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.

Hard Skills

Specific technical abilities, often measurable and teachable, such as coding, web development, or using digital tools.

Self-awareness

The ability to recognize one’s own emotions, strengths, weaknesses, values, and motivations. A key step in personal and professional growth.

Emotional Intelligence (EI)

The capacity to understand, manage, and express emotions effectively, while also recognizing and responding to the emotions of others.

Resilience

The ability to recover quickly from challenges, difficulties, or stress, and to adapt positively to change.

Communication Skills

The ability to share ideas clearly and effectively, both verbally and non-verbally, and to listen actively to others.

Storytelling

The practice of presenting personal or professional experiences as stories to make them engaging, memorable, and impactful.

Teamwork

Working collaboratively with others to achieve common goals, sharing responsibilities, and valuing different contributions.

Collaborative Leadership

A leadership style based on empathy, cooperation, and guidance, focusing on empowering team members rather than controlling them.

Time Management

The practice of organizing and planning how to divide time between tasks, responsibilities, and personal life in order to work more effectively.

Work-Life Balance

The ability to maintain a healthy equilibrium between professional responsibilities and personal/family life.

Eisenhower Matrix

A time management tool that helps prioritize tasks by urgency and importance.

Pomodoro Technique

A productivity method where work is divided into intervals (usually 25 minutes) separated by short breaks, to maintain focus and prevent burnout.

Digital Skills

The ability to use digital devices, applications, and platforms to communicate, collaborate, and solve problems in everyday and professional contexts.

Full Stack Web Development

The ability to work on both the front-end (user interface) and back-end (server, database, logic) of a web application.

Growth Mindset

The belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, learning, and persistence.

Employability Skills

The set of abilities, attitudes, and knowledge that increase a person’s chances of finding and keeping a job.

Portfolio

A collection of work samples, projects, and skills that demonstrates one’s abilities to potential employers.

Networking

Building and maintaining professional relationships that can provide opportunities, advice, and support.

Career Day

An event where job seekers meet companies, recruiters, and HR professionals to explore career opportunities and present their skills.

Inclusivity

The practice of ensuring that all people, regardless of gender, background, or circumstances, have equal access to opportunities and participation.