The Lab
In 2024, the DPF launched its second program, The Lab, focusing exclusively on Belgium. Through this initiative, we proactively identify key employment-related challenges in Belgium and work towards developing innovative solutions through research, experimentation, collaboration, and funding of civil society actors.
A Proactive Approach
The Lab is designed to tackle complex societal issues that demand innovative and practical solutions. Instead of waiting for problems to surface, we take initiative by:
- Identifying a pressing employment-related challenge
- Acting as an initiator and facilitator of a test-and-trial approach, using a step-by-step process
- Developing Belgium-focused solutions that have the potential to sustain themselves beyond DPF’s involvement
Why This Matters
The first challenge selected by The Lab is reconciling parenthood and employment in Belgium. The lack of effective solutions for balancing work and family life has far-reaching societal consequences, affecting not only parents and employers but also the well-being of children.
- According to an international study across 42 countries, Belgium ranks third in parental burnout, with severe consequences for parents’ health and children’s development.
- Women in Belgium are three times more likely to face job insecurity, with 40% working part-time, compared to only 12% of men.
- In both the Wallonia-Brussels Federation and the Flemish Region, 6 out of 10 families struggle to find a place in a childcare facility.
How We Make a Difference
Given the complexity of this issue, fragmented solutions are no longer sufficient. Instead, The Lab is taking a collaborative approach, engaging civil society and key stakeholders in Belgium’s first-ever five-stage collaborative philanthropy program aimed at fostering concrete solutions:
1.
Building a broad coalition of stakeholders committed to driving change.
2. Engaging Belgian citizens at scale through an AI-powered consultation platform.
3. Harnessing collective intelligence via collaborative workshops to identify key levers for cooperation and transform ideas into action.
4. Selecting high-impact projects supported by an extensive ecosystem of funders, experts, and operational partners.
5. Financing and accelerating the most promising projects, ensuring they align with public needs and long-term sustainability.
By bringing together diverse voices and expertise, The Lab is paving the way for innovative, scalable solutions that will help parents thrive in their careers while raising their families, ultimately strengthening both the workforce and society.
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RPR | RPM Brussels
RPR | RPM Brussels
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