Data Collection and Analysis: We collect detailed data on the gender
We collect detailed data on the gender distribution of applicants and admitted students across various academic programmes. This data is regularly analyzed internally to identify patterns, trends, and potential areas where gender imbalances may exist. It is also used to inform Governmental Bodies, such as the Greek Ministry of Education.
Annual Institutional Reports on Gender Diversity
Aegean College generates and publishes annual Institutional reports that include comprehensive information on gender diversity in admissions. These reports highlight the percentage of women applicants, acceptance rates, and the representation of women in different academic disciplines.
Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation: Aegean College Admissions
Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation: Aegean College Admissions department
continuously monitors and evaluates the gender- specific data throughout the admissions cycle, for all levels of education, Undergraduate and/or Postgraduate offered. This allows for real-time adjustments to address any observed imbalances and ensures a proactive approach to promoting gender equality.
Admission Policies and Outreach Programmes
Based on the insights gained from the tracking process, Aegean College develops targeted admission policies and outreach programmes to encourage more women to apply to underrepresented academic programmes. These initiatives aim to eliminate barriers and biases that may deter women from pursuing specific fields of study.
Collaboration with Women’s Support Organizations: Aegean College
Aegean College collaborates with external organizations and networks that focus on women’s education and empowerment.
This collaboration enhances outreach efforts and provides additional support mechanisms for women applicants. By systematically measuring and tracking women’s application and acceptance rates, Aegean College is dedicated to fostering a gender-inclusive environment and contributing to the global efforts outlined in SDG 5.
Through ongoing assessment and strategic initiatives, we strive to create equal opportunities for women in higher education.
BSc (Hons) Pre Primary Education – Larissa
A one day event was organised at our Athens campus in December 2022, by the Non-Governmental Organization W.I.N. HELLAS (Women in Need Hellas).
W.I.N. HELLAS (Women in Need Hellas) is a non-governmental organization dedicated to empowering women and fostering gender equality. Through community engagement, education, and advocacy, W.I.N. HELLAS strives to create a world where women can reach their full potential.
At Aegean College we believe everyone is entitled to education, which can contribute to enhancing respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
W.I.N. HELLAS believes in creating a world where women can thrive, breaking barriers and achieving their full potential. The organization focuses on fostering a supportive community, providing resources, and organizing events that promote gender equality, education, and empowerment. Aegean College students but also women from the wider community found the event useful, informative, and educating.
The aim was to inform and empower a wider group of people with different living conditions, to stand up and feel safe in the event that they are harassed in a public place or witness a similar incident.
Key components of our gender equality policy include:
Equal Opportunities in Admissions
Aegean College actively encourages and supports women’s applications to academic programmes.
Admission processes are designed to be fair, transparent, and free from gender bias, ensuring equal opportunities for women to enter and pursue higher education.
Promoting Gender Diversity Across Disciplines
We recognize the importance of gender balance in various academic disciplines. Efforts are made to encourage women to pursue studies in fields traditionally underrepresented by females.
Initiatives such as mentorship programmes and outreach activities are in place to inspire and support women in choosing diverse academic paths.
Addressing Barriers to Participation
We actively identify and address barriers that may hinder women’s full and active participation in academic and extracurricular activities.
This includes addressing challenges related to work-life balance, and any other factors that may disproportionately affect women.
Participation and Engagement
We are committed to fostering a campus culture that values diversity and inclusivity, actively encouraging the participation of women in various academic and extracurricular activities.
Initiatives such as mentorship programmes, networking events, and leadership development opportunities are in place to empower and support women throughout their college experience.
Access and Support Services
Aegean College provides specific support services to address the unique needs and challenges faced by women, ensuring a conducive learning and working environment.
We have established resource centers, counseling services, and flexible accommodations to support women in balancing academic and personal responsibilities.
Regular Review and Improvement
Aegean College regularly reviews and updates its Gender Equality Policy to adapt to the evolving needs and challenges faced by women in academia.
Feedback mechanisms are in place to gather input from the Aegean College community and stakeholders, ensuring continuous improvement.
By implementing and actively promoting our Gender Equality Policy, Aegean College is dedicated to contributing to the advancement of gender equality, both within our academic community and as part of the broader societal goals outlined in SDG 5.
Mentoring Programmes
We have established mentoring programmes that pair female students with experienced mentors, providing guidance, support, and networking opportunities.
These mentoring relationships aim to empower women by fostering personal and professional development, and by helping them navigate the academic and career landscape.
Scholarships for Women: Aegean College offers scholarships specifically for women to encourage and support their pursuit of higher education.
These scholarships may be merit-based, need-based, or targeted towards specific fields where women are underrepresented.
Career Development Workshops
We organize workshops and seminars focused on enhancing the career development and leadership skills of women.
These workshops cover topics such as negotiation skills, effective communication, and strategies for overcoming gender-specific challenges in the workplace.
Support for Work-Life Balance
Recognizing the importance of work-life balance, Aegean College provides support services and policies that accommodate the needs of women, including flexible work hours, parental leave, and childcare facilities.
Advocacy and Awareness Campaigns
Aegean College actively engages in advocacy and awareness campaigns to promote gender equality and challenge stereotypes.
These campaigns aim to create a supportive and inclusive culture that encourages women to pursue academic and professional aspirations without facing discrimination.
Community Engagement Programmes
Aegean College encourages women’s participation in community engagement programmes, fostering a sense of social responsibility and empowering them to make positive contributions to society.
By implementing these women’s access schemes, Aegean College is actively contributing to the achievement of SDG 5.3.3, working towards a more inclusive and equitable environment where women can access education, thrive academically, and achieve their full potential.
Outreach Programmes
We engage in targeted outreach programmes to high schools and communities to raise awareness among young women about the opportunities available in subjects where they are traditionally underrepresented.
These programmes highlight the importance of diversity in academic disciplines and provide information about the supportive environment and resources available at Aegean College.
Collaboration with Schools and Organization
We collaborate with schools, educational organizations, and industry partners to create pathways for women to explore and pursue subjects in which they are underrepresented.
Partnerships involve mentorship programmes, workshops, and events that showcase successful women in these fields.
Diversity and Inclusion Policies
Aegean College has adopted and actively promotes diversity and inclusion policies that underscore the importance of a balanced representation of genders in all academic disciplines. These policies aim to create an environment where women feel welcomed, supported, and valued throughout their academic journey.
Transparent Admission Processes
Our admission processes are designed to be transparent, fair, and free from gender bias.
We provide information and resources to potential applicants, emphasizing our commitment to diversity and encouraging women to pursue their academic interests.
Celebrating Success Stories
We celebrate the achievements of women who have excelled in traditionally male-dominated subjects. Highlighting success stories serves as inspiration for prospective female applicants and reinforces our commitment to supporting women in all academic disciplines.
Aegean College is working towards creating a more inclusive and diverse academic community, contributing to the broader goal of gender equality.
The Scheme on “Counselling Services in Support of Women from underrepresented groups” is designed to provide assistance and support to women (affiliated with non- governmental organizations), who have experienced harassment or violence. Organized by Aegean College, the all year around initiative aims to educate and empower young women, encouraging them to consider pursuing college studies.
The scheme focuses on providing counseling services to address the psychological and emotional impact of harassment or violence while simultaneously fostering a positive environment that promotes education and personal development. Through this comprehensive approach, the scheme aims to contribute to the overall well-being and academic aspirations of the participating women.
Mrs Kyriaki Theodosi Polymeri, the renowned psychotherapist academic of the School of Psychology of Aegean College and long-term collaborator of the college, is leading the project with a handful of other psychologists of Aegean College.
Equal Treatment
We affirm our commitment to providing equal treatment and opportunities to all individuals, irrespective of gender.
Discrimination on the basis of gender is strictly prohibited in all aspects of college life, including admissions, employment, academic programmes, and extracurricular activities.
Prevention of Gender- Based Harassment and Violence
Aegean College has policies and procedures in place to prevent and address gender- based harassment, violence, and misconduct.
We promote a culture of respect and ensure that appropriate mechanisms are in place to investigate complaints and take corrective action when necessary.
Equal Pay and Benefits
Aegean College adheres to principles ofequalpayfor equal work, ensuring that women receive fair compensation and benefits commensurate with their qualifications and responsibilities.
We regularly review and adjust salary structures to address any gender-based pay gaps.
We provide support services and resources to address the unique needs and challenges faced by women, including counseling services, mentorship programmes, and initiatives to promote work- life balance. The college maintains Counselling Services offered on an annual basis while different programmes in collaboration with NGOs run periodically to support specific groups.
Awareness and Training Programmes
Aegean College conducts awareness and training programmes to educate the community about gender equality, non- discrimination, and the importance of fostering an inclusive environment.
Training is provided to staff, faculty, and students to recognize and address biases and stereotypes that may contribute to discriminatory practices.
Reporting Mechanisms
Clear reporting mechanisms are established to allow individuals to report instances of discrimination confidently and without fear of retaliation.
Aegean College ensures that complaints are thoroughly investigated, and appropriate measures are taken to address and rectify any discriminatory behavior.
The School of Human Sciences of Aegean College organised the Open Educational Conference entitled “Safe Spaces: LGBTQ+ Identities & Inclusion” in September 2022 in the Lecture Hall of Aegean College, at Panepistimiou 17 Str.
Maternity Leave
We provide maternity leave as per the Greek legislation, ensuring that pregnant employees can take the necessary time off before and after childbirth without fear of job loss. The duration of maternity leave is designed to support the health and well- being of the mother and the newborn.
Flexible Work Arrangements
Aegean College encourages flexible work arrangements to accommodate the diverse needs of individuals during and after pregnancy. This may include options such as telecommuting, flexible working hours, or part- time schedules to help individuals maintain a balance between work and family responsibilities.
Supportive Work Environment
We foster a supportive work environment that values and respects the rights of employees to parenthood. Managers and colleagues are encouraged to create an understanding and supportive atmosphere for individuals going through pregnancy and parenthood.
Paternity Leave
In addition to maternity leave, we offer paternity leave according to the Greek legislation, to support fathers in actively participating in the early stages of their child’s life.
Parental Support Programmes
Aegean College provides programmes and resources to support parents, including access to parenting workshops, counseling services, and informational materials on balancing work and family life.
Lactation Support
We maintain collaborations with Maternity Hospitals which offer lactation support facilities for nursing mothers, including designated lactation rooms and flexible break times to accommodate breastfeeding needs. This is due to the collaborations of the BSc (Hons) Midwifery (Applied) programme we maintain for Clinical placements.
Inclusive Language and Culture
We promote an inclusive language and culture that recognizes and celebrates the diverse experiences of individuals during pregnancy and parenthood. This includes avoiding discriminatory language and practices that may create barriers for individuals with family responsibilities.
These policies contribute to creating a supportive and inclusive environment that enables women and men to fully participate in academic and professional activities while managing their family responsibilities. By implementing these measures, Aegean College actively supports the achievement of SDG 5.6.3, working towards gender equality and promoting a work-life balance for all members of Aegean College community.
Participation Threshold
We actively encourage female students to participate in mentoring programmes, aiming for a good representation of female student population.
Efforts are made to ensure inclusivity and accessibility, considering the diverse needs and interests of female students across various academic disciplines
Experienced Mentors
The mentoring schemes involve experienced mentors, including faculty members, industry professionals, and alumni who can provide valuable insights and guidance.
Mentors are carefully selected based on their expertise and ability to support the personal and professional development of female students
Personalized Guidance
The mentoring relationships are designed to be personalized, with mentors providing guidance on academic and career-related matters.
Discussions may cover topics such as goal-setting, career planning, overcoming challenges, and navigating the academic and professional landscape.
Networking Opportunities
The mentoring programmes facilitate networking opportunities for female students, connecting them with mentors who can offer advice, share experiences, and provide introductions to relevant professional networks.
Promotion and Awareness
Aegean College actively promotes the mentoring schemes to ensure awareness among female students. Information about the benefits of participation and success stories of previous mentees is shared to encourage more female students to engage in the programmes.
By implementing women’s mentoring schemes with the goal of at least 10% participation among female students, Aegean College is actively contributing to the achievement of SDG 5.6.6. These programmes provide essential support for the personal and professional development of female students, fostering a culture of empowerment, mentorship, and gender equality within the academic community.
Gender-Disaggregated Data
We collect and analyze gender-disaggregated data on academic performance, retention rates, and graduation outcomes to identify any disparities between women and men.
Regular Monitoring and Reporting
Aegean College conducts regular monitoring and reporting on the progress of women and men in various academic programmes.
Reports include detailed analyses of graduation rates, highlighting any trends or disparities that require attention.
Identification of Barriers
Through consultations, we identify potential barriers that may contribute to differences in graduation rates between women and men. Barriers may include academic, social, or institutional factors, and efforts are made to address these comprehensively.
Targeted Support Programmes
Based on the identified barriers, we implement targeted support programmes to address the specific needs of female students.
Support programmes may include academic tutoring, mentorship initiatives, career counseling, and interventions to enhance the overall college experience for women.
Gender-Inclusive Policies
Aegean College reviews and revises its policies to ensure they are gender-inclusive and do not inadvertently contribute to gender- based disparities in graduation rates.
Policies related to admissions, assessments, and academic support are assessed for their impact on gender equality.
Peer Mentorship and Support Networks
We establish peer mentorship programmes and support networks to foster a sense of community among female students.
Peer mentorship provides an additional layer of support for academic and personal challenges, contributing to increased retention and graduation rates.
Communication and Awareness Campaigns
Aegean College engages in communication and awareness campaigns to highlight the importance of gender equality and to encourage an inclusive and supportive culture.
These campaigns aim to address stereotypes, biases, and other factors that may contribute to gender-based disparities in academic outcomes.
Continuous Evaluation and Improvement
The effectiveness of interventions is continuously evaluated, and adjustments are made based on feedback, emerging trends, and new research findings. This iterative process ensures that our strategies remain responsive to the evolving needs of our diverse student population.
By actively measuring, tracking, and implementing schemes to close any gender gaps in graduation rates, Aegean College is actively contributing to the achievement of SDG 5.6.7, working towards a more inclusive educational environment for all students, regardless of gender.
Confidential Reporting Mechanisms
Aegean College provides confidential reporting mechanisms for individuals who have experienced or witnessed discrimination. These mechanisms allow individuals to report incidents without fear of retaliation, ensuring their privacy and well-being.
Non-Retaliation Policy
Our policy explicitly prohibits any form of retaliation against individuals who report discrimination, harassment, or any violation of the college’s nondiscrimination policies. Retaliation is considered a serious offense and is subject to disciplinary action.
Awareness and Training
Aegean College conducts awareness and training programmes to educate the academic community about the importance of reporting discrimination and the protections in place. Training emphasizes the non- retaliation policy and encourages a culture of mutual respect and support.
Support Services for Reporting Individuals
We provide support services, including counseling and guidance, to individuals who report discrimination.
These services aim to address the emotional and practical needs of individuals involved in the reporting process.
Anonymous Reporting Options
In addition to confidential reporting, Aegean College may offer anonymous reporting options to further protect the identity of individuals reporting discrimination. Anonymous reporting helps create an environment where individuals feel empowered to come forward without fear of exposure.
Investigation Procedures
Aegean College has established clear and fair investigation procedures to address reported incidents of discrimination.
Investigations conducted promptly, thoroughly, and impartially, with a commitment to providing a safe and supportive resolution for all parties involved.
Disciplinary Actions
Disciplinary actions are taken against individuals found responsible for discriminatory behavior. These actions may include warnings, educational interventions, suspension, or termination, depending on the severity of the violation.
By implementing a policy that protects individuals reporting discrimination from educational or employment disadvantage, Aegean College actively contributes to the achievement of SDG
5.6.8. This policy reinforces our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity, accountability, and respect within the academic community.
Communication of Policies
Aegean College ensures that its nondiscrimination policies, including protections against retaliation, are communicated clearly to all members of the academic community.
This information is available through various channels, including official publications, websites, and orientation programmes.
By implementing a policy that protects individuals reporting discrimination from educational or employment disadvantage, Aegean College actively contributes to the achievement of SDG
5.6.8. This policy reinforces our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity, accountability, and respect within the academic community.