Kolínská Rut
Organization: Network of Mother Centers
Year Founded: 2001
Country: Czech Republic
Website: www.materska-centra.cz
Geographic Area of Impact: Czech Republic.
Model: Leveraged Non-Profit
Focus: Education,Health,Women.
Social Entrepreneur of the Year, Czech Republic, 2005 The Innovation The Network of Mother Centers in the Czech Republic (Sít materských center v Ceské republice) is a non-profit organization that seeks to help women with small children maintain their professional orientation and develop self-confidence. It provides fellowships, solidarity and education. With 287Mother Centers throughout the country, the organization offers a meeting ground and direct help to more than 28.000 families. In addition, it indirectly helps all families in the Czech Republic thanks to its political lobby. Kolínská drew inspiration from the model of Mother Centers in Germany and has taken the model to new sites in the Czech Republic. Background Family politics is not a priority in the Czech Republic. Maternity leave can take 3-4 years, but the state financial allowances for women on maternity leave are very low and often leave mothers in an uncertain financial situation. The solution would be an increased availability of part-time jobs and equal opportunities for women and men. Presently, women with small children are discriminated against in the labor market. MC prevents women from professionally and socially stagnating when they are on maternity leave. As a member of the Government Council for Women and Men’s Equal Opportunities, Kolínská does a great deal of lobbying for the benefit of mothers. Her goal is not only to establish equal opportunities for men and women in the workplace, but also to make on-site childcare possible at work. Strategy The Mother Centers are spaces where mothers and children can meet other mothers and children to learn how to use their free time. The Centers are open to all—including minorities, refugees and the disabled. The open atmosphere teaches respect and tolerance, and at the same time prevents xenophobia or racism. The benefits of MC include escaping isolation, keeping or upgrading the women’s professional standard, exchanging information and experience, developing new friendships, building self-confidence and interest in public matters. It also helps to prevent criminality and boosts the maternity rate. According to Kolínská, the MC’s biggest contribution is that women learn how civic society works, and see what can be achieved when they take up the initiative instead of waiting to see what the state will do for them. It is a self-help model. Establishing an MC requires close cooperation with the local authorities, fundraising, and orientation regarding laws and the political situation. This process is a great teaching tool for women on maternity leave; they learn self-confidence and often become active in local politics. The numerous activities of Mother Centers are meant for mothers, parents and all families. The activities include crafts, educational and requalification programs, sports and short and long-term projects. The Entrepreneur Kolínská is the daughter of a protestant pastor. The mother of five children, she spent 18 years on maternity leave. She has a university degree in Ethnography. Her interest in family issues originated in 1988, when she co-founded the environmental group, Prague Mothers. She founded the network of Mother Centers in the Czech Republic as a professional civic association in 2001. However, the first MC was opened as early as 1992, shortly after Kolínská got the inspiration from the model of Mother Centers in Germany. Over the years, she helped establish new centers, leading them methodically and popularizing the idea of the MC in the Czech Republic. The biggest problems she faced were lack of understanding, financial insecurity and insufficient staff. The turning point came when Kolínská started attending international seminars and conferences related to MC and family issues. She drew immense media attention after she was named Woman of Europe 2003, which consequently helped with fundraising. Rut Kolínská is highly respected by all members of the Mother Centers, and has become a natural authority in society due to her indisputable results and exemplary personal life. She serves as a role model for thousands of Czech women.
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