Browsing by Subject "naisverkosto"

The aim of this study was to describe the meanings of women-only networks, and examine why the gender-specific network is regarded as necessary at this time. An increasing amount of female net-works have emerged in Finland, but there has been limited academic research on the necessity of the networks. In this research I try to describe how the actors of a female network explain the signifi-cance of the organization. The theoretical background of this study is based on social capital and its role in the networks. Time, place and people contextually develop the concept of social capital and the meanings linked with it in this particular study. This case study focuses on the implications of the female network Howtomo. This specific network is based on volunteerism and its goal is to promote learning and expertise within females by offering free workshops and lectures. The data was collected by conducting semi- structed theme interviews with six operators at the Howtomo network. The data was analyzed using conventional content anal-ysis. According to the data, the network was argued to be significant for individual rather than collective reasons. Howtomo was regarded as an important platform to learn and share information, and as a meeting point to unite people with similar interests. Apart from the individual benefits, the network was thought to bring support and security in the unstable work life. Howtomo was believed to promote an improved portrayal of females in the work force and their position in it. The network was also regarded as a positive resource, which is needed today and in the future. The results were comparable with other findings on female networks in Finland. Further research is suggested to be conducted about the significance of the network for the participants and members.