Social and Solidarity Economy in France: Regional Growth and Gender Equality in 2026

In 2026, significant developments are underway in France's social and solidarity economy (ESS), with notable regional initiatives in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA) and Médoc, alongside critical attention to gender equality within the sector.

The Chambre régionale des entreprises de l’économie sociale et solidaire Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (Cress Paca) announced a renewed commitment to advancing ESS in the region. At a ceremony held at La Criée theater, Denis Philippe, president of Cress Paca, expressed optimism about overcoming national challenges and strengthening the organization's impact. Newly appointed director Mathilde L'Hôte outlined a focused roadmap aimed at increasing the visibility and support for social and solidarity enterprises. Regional president Renaud Muselier highlighted the sector's substantial role, noting it comprises 11,139 enterprises employing 181,000 people, which is nearly 12.8% of private employment in PACA. Muselier also pointed to a €96 million investment plan from 2024 to 2030 and potential economic opportunities linked to the upcoming Winter Olympics in 2030. The ESS 2025 award was given to La Cantina, recognized for combating food waste and promoting food access, accompanied by a €1,000 prize.

In Médoc, the ESS is a vital engine for local employment, with 235 employing structures generating 2,232 jobs—10.4% of total salaried employment. Aurélie Degoul, co-president of the Pôle Médoc Tiers-Lieux, emphasized the importance of these non-delocalizable jobs. The sector is dominated by associations, largely in arts, sports, and leisure, with AAPAM serving as the largest employer with over 600 staff. Financial support totaling €294,000 was provided by La Médullienne from 2023 to 2025 to local projects. However, accessing financing remains a challenge in rural areas. Maya Veleva from France Active explained that low economic activity zones face investment risks and a scarcity of guarantees, but France Active assists leaders in navigating funding obstacles. For instance, the Tennis Club de la Médullienne is receiving support to build a new tennis complex expected to create three jobs.

On gender equality, Scarlett Wilson-Courvoisier, an established ESS advocate, released 'Le Matrimoine,' a book highlighting the often-unrecognized contributions of women to the ESS since 1830. Despite women making up 67% of the ESS workforce, they continue to face pay gaps, leadership barriers, and limited recognition. Wilson-Courvoisier's work profiles 100 influential women, from Olympe de Gouges to modern figures, aiming to promote gender equity and inspire future involvement in the sector. She underlined that while progress has been made, sustained effort is needed to address inequalities fully.

Together, these developments portray a dynamic ESS landscape in France, where regional action and social inclusiveness, including a focus on gender parity, are prioritized to build resilient and equitable economic ecosystems.