France
As the headquarters of Entrepreneurs du Monde, France continues to be marked by significant social and economic inequalities, which particularly affect vulnerable populations.
Social challenges at the heart of the country
Despite its high level of development, France faces persistent inequalities that particularly affect young people, the unemployed, and families in precarious situations. Access to employment, housing, and social support remains a major challenge in certain areas.
According to INSEE, more than 8 million people in France suffer from material or social deprivation. Precariousness is concentrated in large cities and disproportionately affects the most vulnerable, such as those who are distant from the labor market.
Some people start businesses to escape poverty and become self-sufficient. They sometimes have cooking skills and have even started informal catering businesses, but they will only become truly viable self-employed entrepreneurs if they receive support. Others, who are even more vulnerable, must first have access to safe and decent housing and receive social support, then be gradually guided toward employment.
Persistent inequalities despite high growth
France has a high human development index, ranking among the countries with very high human development. However, social inequalities remain pronounced.
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68.4 millions of inhabitants
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7.4 % unemployment rate
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15.4 % of the population lives below the poverty line
Headquarter in Lyon and two pilot programs
In 2015, Entrepreneurs du Monde moved its headquarters from Poitiers to Vaulx-en-Velin to establish itself at the heart of the dynamic Lyon metropolitan area. In May 2022, the association will move to Lyon’s 3rd arrondissement. Two programs in France aim to support vulnerable populations:
- Des Saveurs et Des Ailes in Lyon
- Un Toit Vers l’Emploi in Rouen
Both share a common goal: to create the conditions for sustainable social and economic integration, driven by the beneficiaries themselves.
