OLYMPICEU Project The European Values Olympiad
info@olympiceu.eu |
This project has received funding from the European Union under the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) Programme.
Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
© 2025 Ellino-Italiko Epimelitirio Athina – Project Coordinator of OLYMPICEU.
Concept and Project Design by Paolo A.M. Ferrise – www.eu20.eu
OLYMPICEU
OLYMPICEU | 3th Trasnational Event
Promoting Gender Equality and Woman's Empowerment
7 –9 March 2026
📍 Andravida-Kyllini (Greece)
EVENT OVERVIEW
The third transnational event of the OLYMPICEU project was held in Andravida-Kyllini from 7 to 9 March 2026 and represented the third operational phase of the project, focused on advancing gender equality in civic leadership and strengthening women’s participation in local governance and decision-making processes.
Building on the outcomes of the previous transnational events, the activities further developed the participatory approach of the project by addressing structural and cultural barriers affecting women’s access to civic participation and leadership roles.
The event was implemented in full coherence with the objectives defined in the Grant Agreement and contributed to the progressive development of more inclusive, balanced and representative forms of civic engagement within the partner municipalities.
Through institutional meetings, thematic discussions, participatory workshops and co-creation activities, participants explored key challenges related to gender equality, democratic participation and inclusive governance, while strengthening dialogue and cooperation between citizens, stakeholders and local authorities involved in the project
OBJECTIVES OF THE EVENT
The event aimed to promote gender equality and strengthen women’s participation in civic leadership and local governance processes through a structured participatory approach involving citizens, institutional stakeholders and local communities.
Particular attention was devoted to identifying structural, cultural and social barriers affecting women’s access to decision-making processes and public participation opportunities.
The activities also aimed to encourage more inclusive governance models, strengthen awareness of gender-related inequalities within civic participation and support the development of more representative and balanced forms of democratic engagement.
In line with the objectives of the OLYMPICEU project, the event further contributed to reinforcing dialogue between citizens and local authorities while promoting inclusive participation practices capable of involving underrepresented groups more effectively within local democratic life.
ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT
The three-day programme combined institutional meetings, thematic sessions, participatory workshops and collaborative discussions focused on gender equality, civic representation and inclusive governance practices.
During the opening sessions, project partners and local stakeholders introduced the thematic framework of the event, presenting reflections on democratic participation, equal opportunities and the role of women within civic leadership processes.
The central workshops encouraged participants to analyse social, cultural and institutional dynamics affecting participation in public life, with particular attention to representation gaps, access to opportunities and barriers connected to leadership roles and decision-making environments.
Interactive group activities and moderated discussions further promoted dialogue among participants, allowing the exchange of experiences, local perspectives and community-based approaches aimed at strengthening inclusive participation models and more balanced governance practices.
The final sessions were dedicated to collaborative reflections and co-creation activities intended to stimulate new ideas and proposals capable of supporting broader participation and more representative civic engagement within local communities.
THEMATIC HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE SPEECHES
The institutional interventions and thematic contributions delivered during the event highlighted the importance of promoting equal participation opportunities within democratic and civic processes.
Several speakers underlined the need to strengthen women’s presence in leadership and decision-making environments by encouraging more inclusive and representative governance approaches at local level.
Particular emphasis was placed on the relationship between gender equality, democratic resilience and active citizenship, recognising inclusive participation as a key element for stronger and more balanced communities.
The discussions also explored the role of education, dialogue and civic awareness in overcoming cultural and structural obstacles that continue to affect equal access to public participation and leadership opportunities.
Additional contributions focused on the value of cooperation, community engagement and participatory practices capable of fostering more accessible and inclusive forms of local governance.
PARTECIPANTS :
The event gathered a broad and diverse group of participants, including representatives of partner municipalities, institutional authorities, civil society organisations, local associations, community stakeholders and citizens involved in civic participation activities.
Particular attention was devoted to the active involvement of women, young people and individuals underrepresented in leadership and decision-making processes, in line with the thematic objectives of the event.
The participatory structure of the programme encouraged direct interaction among participants, fostering dialogue, exchange of experiences and collaborative reflections on inclusive governance and equal participation opportunities within local communities.
The transnational dimension of the initiative further supported cooperation and mutual learning among the participating territories, reinforcing the broader civic and democratic objectives of the OLYMPICEU project.
KEY RESULTS OF THE EVENT :
- Increased awareness of gender equality challenges within civic participation and local governance
- Strengthened dialogue on women’s representation in leadership and decision-making processes
- Improved exchange of experiences and participatory practices among partner municipalities
- Greater involvement of women, young people and underrepresented groups in civic discussions
- Promotion of more inclusive and balanced approaches to democratic participation and community engagement
OLIMPICEU
THE EUROPEAN VALUES OLYMPIAD