How can gender equality plans become meaningful tools for change? What steps have Greek universities already taken, and what challenges do they still face in promoting equality and inclusion?
These questions were at the heart of the online discussion “Gender Equality in Higher Education Institutions: How Can We Strengthen Inclusion in Practice?”, organised by KMOP – Social Action and Innovation Centre on 27 May 2026.
The event brought together members of the academic community, representatives of Gender Equality and Anti-Discrimination Committees, students, and professionals working in the fields of equality, inclusion, and higher education, creating a space for meaningful dialogue on the future of gender equality policies in universities.
Opening the discussion, Mina Giannouli, Project Manager at KMOP, presented the PRO-GENDERING project, which promotes gender equality, inclusion, and respect within academia. As she noted, gender mainstreaming is not only about increasing women’s representation but about transforming institutions as a whole, ensuring they respond to the needs of all genders and integrate equality into every aspect of their planning, decision-making, and operations.
Presenting the project’s key outcomes, she referred to the handbook for the implementation of gender equality Plans in higher education institutions, as well as the awareness-raising toolkit, which supports both educators and students in designing and implementing initiatives that promote gender equality. She also highlighted good practices adopted by European universities, including gender-responsive budgeting, the integration of gender perspectives into research and curricula, and the development of policies that foster equal participation in academic life.
Particular interest was generated by the presentation of Maria-Elli Doufexi Kaplani, Senior Researcher at KMOP, who shared the main findings of the project’s research on the implementation of gender equality plans in Greek universities. Although the overwhelming majority of participants recognise the importance of gender equality and acknowledge the progress achieved in recent years, the research revealed that gender biases continue to affect both academic and professional life. At the same time, significant gaps remain in awareness of available policies and support mechanisms.
The discussion continued with Konstantina Sklavou, Chair of the Gender Equality and Anti-Discrimination Committee at the University of West Attica, who presented the experience of the university and emphasised the importance of institutional commitment, continuous monitoring of equality policies, and the active involvement of the academic community in shaping a safe and inclusive university environment.
The event concluded with contributions from students, who highlighted the importance of student participation in university affairs as a prerequisite for the success of equality policies and for fostering academic environments based on respect, inclusion, and equal opportunities. As one of the participating students, Kanella Papadopoulou, pointed out, the need for greater equality is reflected not only in institutional policies but also in smaller, often symbolic aspects of university life, such as the exclusive use of masculine terms in the names of certain schools and departments. This observation sparked a broader discussion on language, representation, and the importance of inclusion within the academic community.
The discussion, held within the framework of the European PRO-GENDERING project, confirmed that gender equality in higher education is not merely an institutional obligation but a necessary condition for creating open, democratic, and inclusive academic communities. Through its research, tools, and interventions, KMOP contributes to the implementation of practical solutions that strengthen equality and inclusion across European universities.
For further information, please contact KMOP at [email protected] or by telephone at +30 210 3637547.