Pprogramme Agreement ''Actions to Promote Gender Equallity in the Region of Crete"

The Regional Observatory for Social Inclusion of the Region of Crete contributed to the design and implements the Programme Agreement between the Region of Crete, the University of Crete and the Hellenic Mediterranean University, entitled, "Actions to Promote Gender Equality in the Region of Crete 2018-2020". The Department of Sociology and the Laboratory of Gender Studies in particular, participates in the programme on behalf of the University of Crete, with Scientific Responsible Vasiliki Petoussi, Professor of Sociology and Director of the Laboratory. The Department of Computer Science also participates with the Associate Professor Panagiota Fatourou. The Department of Social Work of the School of Health and Welfare Professions participates on behalf of  the Hellenic Mediterranean University with the Assistant Professor Maria Papadakaki as Scientific Responsible.

The Region of Crete has made a public commitment to the principle of gender equality, co-signing, on December 9, 2011, the European Charter for Gender Equality in local communities. In this context, the program agreement was signed with the aim of implementing actions related to the support of women against physical and psychosocial violence, but also to support and strengthen the role of women in local economies, to promote women in public life, to fight against multiple discrimination, poverty and social exclusion, taking into account gender perspectives and finally, interventions for gender equality and overcome stereotypes in education. It is addressed to a wide range of social groups, such as women farmers and women entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector, workers, adolescents and young women, special social groups (elderly, immigrant women, etc.), secondary school students and the general public. The project also covers a wide range of development areas such as entrepreneurship, health, care, science, research & technology, politics, work, rights.

Within the framework of the Programme Agreement, cooperation is developed with the Regional Equality Committee and its cooperation networks with the Municipal Equality Committees and with all the competent bodies.

The Programme started to be implemented at the beginning of 2019. Due to the covid-19 pandemic, it was extended until August 2022.