1st Meeting of Stakeholders WeSTEMEU successfully completed
On Tuesday, February 13, 2024, the 1st Stakeholder Meeting was organized by the Institute of Computer Technology & Publications “Diophantus”, with the support of the Region of Western Greece. This meeting is a crucial part of the implementation of the European project “Women for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics in Europe - WeSTEMEU” under the INTERREG EUROPE Program. The meeting took place at the premises of the Regional Council of Western Greece.
As part of the WeSTEMEU project, the Region of Western Greece and “Diophantus” have assumed the responsibility of supporting various aspects, including the participatory consultation process involving political bodies, businesses, and development agencies across the broader region. Consequently, the 1st Stakeholder Meeting laid the foundation for establishing a group of representatives from diverse organizations. This group will actively monitor and support the project’s initiatives throughout its implementation.
Representatives from various organizations in the broader region, along with officials from the Region and “Diophantus”, actively participated in the meeting. They had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the project’s objectives and engage in discussions related to targeted proposals. The central focus of these proposals is to enhance the presence of women in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
At the outset of the event, the Deputy Regional Governor for Entrepreneurship, Research, and Innovation, Mr. Takis Papadopoulos, addressed the attendees. Ms. Amalia Voulgari, the Regional Councilor responsible for gender equality, reaffirmed the Region’s commitment and put forth specific initiatives that can be undertaken. The discussion and proposal process will continue as the project progresses.
During the event, the Deputy Regional Governor for Entrepreneurship, Research, and Innovation, Mr. Takis Papadopoulos, addressed the attendees. Ms. Amalia Voulgari, the Regional Councilor responsible for gender equality, reaffirmed the Region’s commitment and proposed specific initiatives that can be undertaken. Following this, representatives from the Institute of Computer Technology & Publications “Diophantus” (ITUE “Diophantus”), including Ms. Maria Xyga and Ms. Dimitra Tzouka, provided a concise presentation on the project’s objectives and actions. The role of the Stakeholder Group, which includes representatives from the Institute of Industrial Systems (INVIS), the University of Patras, and the Hellenic Open University, was also discussed.
In the second part of the event, an extensive discussion took place among participants regarding critical issues and the importance of empowering women’s participation in STEM fields throughout Western Greece. Comments, proposals, and insightful observations were shared by all.
Finally, the WeSTEMEU Stakeholder Group agreed to hold the next meeting within the first fortnight of March. This meeting will focus on further progress based on the results from the upcoming 2nd Study Visit of the project, scheduled for February 27-28 in Bucharest, Romania.
The Institute of Computer Technology & Publications “Diophantus” (ITUE) and the Region of Western Greece are participating as partners in the WeSTEMEU project. This initiative aims to enhance the presence of women in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The ultimate goal of WeSTEMEU is to contribute to a better gender balance and to make the STEM sector more compatible with the social, economic, and environmental needs of both genders. Simultaneously, it will address the requirements for new job positions and innovative sustainable development in the current knowledge-based economy.