Presentation of project WEMIN at the Festival for Combating Multiple Discrimination in Crete

DAISSy Research Group of Hellenic Open University (HOU) participated successfully at the Festival for Combating Multiple Discrimination organized on 25 May 2018 in Heraklion, Crete. The action falls under the project: "Fighting multiple discrimination in Greece: Promoting equality through active participation and policy-making" that is funded from the EU's Rights, Equality and Citizenship (REC) program. The festival was organized by the Region of Crete, which is a partner of the project, together with the DAISSy Research Group, the Economic and Social Committee of Greece (ESC) and the University of Sevilla, coordinated by the National Center for Social Research (EKKE).

The main goals of the festival were the exchange of successful examples of anti-discrimination actions and the development of dialogue based on the content of European and national policies on multiple discrimination and human rights. The speeches highlighted good practices in combating stereotypes in vulnerable groups as well as effective "tools" in this area.

Dr. Achilleas Kameas, Associate Professor of Hellenic Open University and Head of the DAISSy Research Group, had the opportunity to present the results of HOU actions for the project, making a specific reference to the successful info-days, the festival and the local networking workshop organized in Patras. It emphasized the interconnection between relevant European projects implemented in parallel by HOU, achieving multiplier effects and encouraging their multifaceted exploitation. He made explicit reference to the WEMIN project, explaining to the participants how the project combats exclusion by enabling Migrant and Refugee Women to become informed about the available professional and training opportunities and at the same time by implementing actions that bring them in contact with fellow women of the hosting society.

The festival attracted about 40 participants from public and private organizations of the Region of Crete, including the Vice Chair of the Region, Education Directors, School teachers, NGO owners, VET managers, Cultural organization managers, Students and Volunteers. All of them received the WEMIN brochure as part of their conference pack; many of them expressed strong interest in the project and were given the project contact points for further information. The festival ended with a beautiful event at Heraklion Square, where members of social groups at risk of exclusion and immigrant associations presented a colorful cultural program.