Women Leading Change

At INNOPOLIS, we recognize that women are powerful agents of transformation, innovation, and community building. Through our comprehensive programs across Europe, we focus on empowering migrant, refugee, and local women by providing them with the tools, skills, and platforms they need to thrive. Our mission is to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create pathways for women to become leaders in their communities while fostering cross-cultural dialogue and sustainable development.

Promoting Intercultural Dialogue and Social Cohesion

Moments of intercultural exchange and mutual understanding, reflecting InnoPolis’ commitment to fostering social cohesion, inclusiveness, and active citizenship. By bringing together women from diverse cultural and social backgrounds, we promote dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation, contributing to stronger, more resilient, and interconnected communities across the Mediterranean and Europe

Empowering Women through Knowledge, Skills, and Innovation

Hands-on training and knowledge-exchange session, highlighting InnoPolis’ commitment to capacity building, digital skills development, and innovation-driven learning. By empowering women through targeted training, mentoring, and participatory methodologies, we strengthen professional competencies, enhance employability, and promote inclusive growth, in line with European priorities for lifelong learning, digital transition, and social empowerment.

Strengthening Cross-Border Cooperation and Policy Dialogue

Reflecting InnoPolis’ active engagement in high-level policy dialogue and transnational cooperation, bringing together stakeholders, experts, and institutional representatives from different European countries. Through structured exchanges, joint discussions, and evidence-based dialogue, we contribute to the co-creation of innovative solutions, the alignment of policies, and the strengthening of European territorial cohesion and cross-border collaboration.

Fostering Strategic Partnerships and Knowledge Exchange

Capturing a collaborative working session between European partners, highlighting InnoPolis’ commitment to building strong strategic alliances and promoting effective knowledge exchange. Through structured cooperation, joint planning, and continuous dialogue, we enhance institutional capacities, reinforce transnational networks, and contribute to the successful design and implementation of high-quality European cooperation projects.

Facilitating Dialogue, Mentoring, and Peer Learning

A dynamic moment of interpersonal exchange and mentoring, reflecting InnoPolis’ commitment to participatory learning, inclusive dialogue, and peer-to-peer knowledge transfer. Through structured interaction, coaching, and collaborative problem-solving, we empower women and young professionals, strengthen individual capacities, and foster trust-based cooperation, in line with European priorities for social inclusion, lifelong learning, and community-driven development.

InnoPolis Gender Equality Plan (GEP)

Version 1.0 – January 2026
Approved by: President of InnoPolis – Katerina Sotiropoulou

Publication

  1. This Gender Equality Plan (GEP) is a formal policy document of InnoPolis, officially endorsed by top management and publicly available on the organization’s website. It represents our institutional commitment to gender equality across all activities, partnerships, and operations.
  2. Dedicated Resources
    InnoPolis has designated a Gender Equality Focal Point (GEFP) supported by a Gender Equality Task Group made up predominantly of women experts, staff, and volunteers. The team is responsible for implementing, monitoring, and updating the GEP.
  3. Data Collection and Monitoring
    InnoPolis collects sex and gender disaggregated data on staff, volunteers, project leaders, and external collaborators. Annual reports are compiled to monitor progress against indicators related to gender balance, inclusivity in decision-making, and equitable access to opportunities.
  4. Training and Awareness
    Mandatory gender equality and unconscious bias awareness sessions are organized annually for staff, management, and external experts. These are delivered through workshops, digital learning modules, and guest speaker series in collaboration with civil society and academic partners.
  5. Priority Areas & Measures

A. Work–Life Balance and Organisational Culture

  • Flexible and remote working arrangements supported.
  • Support for childcare considerations during events and mobilities.
  • Promotion of inclusive language and safe communication culture.

B. Gender Balance in Leadership and Decision-Making

  • Majority of current board members and project coordinators are women.
  • Transparent nomination processes for leadership roles.

C. Gender Equality in Recruitment and Career Progression

  • All vacancies use gender-inclusive language.
  • Selection panels are gender-balanced.
  • Commitment to equal pay for equal work.

D. Integration of Gender into Research and Project Content

  • All proposals and project deliverables must assess gender relevance.
  • Gender impact assessment included in quality assurance workflows.

E. Prevention of Gender-Based Violence and Harassment

  • Zero-tolerance policy on sexual harassment and GBV.
  • Clear internal reporting mechanism for misconduct.
  • Annual safety and safeguarding reviews for field activities.

Monitoring and Review
The GEP is reviewed annually by the Gender Equality Task Group. Progress indicators, stakeholder feedback, and evolving EU guidelines are taken into account to refine the strategy.

Document Version: 1.0
Next Review Date: January 2027