Empowering and protecting women
No girl or woman should face barriers in her life because of her gender. Yet, poverty and injustice around the world have a female face. Domestic violence, gender-based violence and sexual harassment at work are part of their daily lives. Their rights are violated because they are women. Their needs are not visible and the world is not made to be inclusive. Women get less money than men for the same job and in many countries they do not have the right to inherit land or own property. In addition, unemployment is usually higher among women.
Defending the rights of women and girls is at the heart of all our actions around the world and in Greece. We run programmes that provide women with knowledge and support, so that they can claim their rights and have an equal place in society and a better life.
Women's rights: a better future is happening now
Right now, around the world we are experiencing a seismic shift in addressing gender inequality.
Wherever you go, women are speaking out, rallying and shouting about the injustice they experience on a daily basis. These movements are changing the narrative, changing society and changing the laws. From #metoo to intersectional feminism, women are behind the most militant struggles of our time and ActionAid stands by their side dynamically and effectively.
Within ActionAid, we strive for a world where there is justice and real equality for women and girls around the globe, including Greece.
Combatting sexual harassment at work
Sexual harassment at work exists and is experienced by a very high percentage of women according to a recent survey of ours among female employees in Greece. We want women and girls to be treated equally everywhere and to feel safe in their workplaces. We implement our programme against sexual harassment at work, called Safe At Work,with the aim to provide targeted support services to victims or survivors, as well as prevention and response mechanisms and tools for employees and businesses, and to raise public awareness focusing on men's perceptions on sexual harassment.
All women must feel safe at work.
Campaign against sexual harassment at work
According to a survey we conducted, the rate of sexual harassment of women at work in Greece is very high, reaching 85%, with numerous consequences on their personal and professional lives. With our campaign we intend to push for Greece to implement the first global Convention against Violence and Harassment in the world of Work, to raise awareness among women and men about the situation, to break the "taboo" covering it and to mobilise employers and the corporate sector to take responsibility for the protection of workers.
85%
of women have been sexually harassed while working
Gender budgeting
The way municipalities, regions and ministries draw up their budgets directly affects the lives of the inhabitants. In collaboration with the Women's Centre of Karditsa and the municipalities of Athens and Karditsa, we implement the GREAT Budgeting (Gender Responsive, Accountable and Transparent Budgeting) programme, which highlights the importance of integrating a gender perspective in budgets. Essentially, gender budgeting is the integration of the gender dimension in budgets and decisions on policies and programmes. It is a way of empowering women and girls to voice their needs and demand that they are met.
It's time to look at the world from a different perspective.
Speak out - Free legal support against sexual harassment
ActionAid in partnership with the organisation Women on Top offers free legal support to women who have experienced sexual harassment at work. Through remote sessions, our team of expert lawyers give advice on the options and steps women can take; if necessary, we represent the case in court. If you need to speak to our legal team, regardless of whether you have a regular job or not, regardless of whether you work without having a contract, and regardless of whether this concerns a single incident that has happened to you, for example in the context of an interview, a meeting or a trip, do talk to us.
You are not alone. We are here for you.
Domestic violence against Migrant and Refugee women
Cooperation is a prerequisite for supporting women who have suffered domestic violence. Migrant and refugee women in particular are faced with multiple barriers that make them particularly vulnerable and exposed to risks. The ARIADNE 2 programme aims to train the Hellenic Police personnel staffing anti-domestic violence units around the country on how to support female refugees and migrants who wish to file a complaint.
Through cooperation we effectively tackle domestic violence