International Unemployment Day, celebrated on March 6, 1930, marked a milestone in the fight for labor rights during the Great Depression. On that day, millions of unemployed workers demonstrated in cities around the world to protest the economic crisis and demand jobs and decent wages. In the United States, more than 30 cities witnessed these mobilizations, with an estimated 1.25 million people participating. In New York and Detroit, demonstrations drew more than 100,000 workers each, while around 50,000 protesters gathered in Chicago and Pittsburgh.
Nowadays, the World Unemployment Day serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing challenges related to joblessness and the imperative for inclusive employment strategies.
In the European Union, significant strides have been made to combat unemployment. The European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), with a budget of €88 billion for 2021–2027, aims to foster employment, reduce social exclusion, and invest in skills development. Notably, over 4.5 million individuals secured employment through ESF and Youth Employment Initiative support by the end of 2019.
Despite these advancements, challenges persist. Youth unemployment remains a concern, with the European Youth Guarantee striving to ensure that individuals under 25 receive quality employment or training opportunities within four months of unemployment.
The HIRE project aligns with these initiatives, focusing on innovative solutions to unemployment and promoting inclusion in the labor market. By supporting such endeavors, we move closer to a future where employment opportunities are accessible to all.