“Project Equality: the Podcast”: Insights from the First Two Episodes of the AUEB podcast

Stathis Katopodis, Eleni Apospori, Irene Nikandrou (Athens University of Economics and Business)

“Project Equality: the Podcast”, a podcast by the AUEB team of TARGETED-MPI, tackles the crucial issue of gender equality in various spheres. In the first episode, Eleni Apospori, Associate Professor at the Department of Marketing and Communication of the Athens University of Economics and Business and President of the AUEB Gender Equality Committee hosts Maria Stratigaki, Associate Professor at the Department of Social Policy at Panteion University, President of the Greek Association of Women Academics (ELEGYP) and Secretary General for Gender Equality in Greece (2009-2012). In a discussion on Gender Equality Policies and Action Plans, the current situation in Greece is analyzed, as we observe regression in Gender Equality policies in Greece and a worrying increase in femicides. Furthermore, the discussion also touched upon recent setbacks in women’s rights, such as the US Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the constitutionally protected right to abortion.

In the second episode, Irene Nikandrou, Associate Professor at the Department of Marketing & Communication, Athens University of Economics hosts Pinelopi Theodorakakou, Co-Founder and Head of Empowerment Programs & Educational Interventions of Women On Top. The episode unveils the barriers that hinder women’s professional development, analyzes the persistent gender pay and representation gap, and provides strategies to empower women in their professional endeavors. Among the key barriers discussed are implicit bias, stereotype threat, inadequate mentorship, work-life balance issues, and the widely observed “leaky pipeline” phenomenon.

Addressing the persistent disparity in pay and representation between genders, the second episode of the podcast series delves into the underlying causes of this issue. It identifies institutional and systemic factors that contribute to the wide gap women face in attaining positions of power and influence within the workplace. Factors such as gender bias in hiring and promotion practices, lack of diverse representation on decision-making committees, and societal expectations regarding gender roles all play a significant role in perpetuating these disparities.

The first two episodes of “Project Equality: the Podcast” provide an insightful and thought-provoking exploration of gender equality policies and gender equality in the workplace. The listeners have the chance to gain a deeper understanding of the barriers that hinder women’s professional development and the factors contributing to the persistent pay and representation gap while getting insightful background stories about the policies and how they can contribute to a gender-equal world. The podcast encourages listeners to reflect on their own roles in fostering gender equality and contributes to a broader dialogue aimed at creating a more equitable environment for all.

Looking ahead, upcoming episodes of the podcast will explore the crucial role of language in shaping the constructive world of (in)equality. By examining the impact of language on societal perceptions and norms, the podcast seeks to illuminate the ways in which language can either reinforce or challenge gender inequalities. Additionally, the podcast will shed light on the issue of gender-based violence in Greece, addressing the urgency of combatting this pervasive problem. Finally, the podcast will emphasize the significance of fostering diversity as a means to achieve a truly equal world.

Through its diverse range of topics and engaging discussions, “Project Equality: the Podcast” aims to educate, inspire, and empower its listeners. By examining the multifaceted aspects of gender (in)equality, the podcast contributes to a growing body of knowledge and fosters a dialogue at Athens University of Economics and Business that seeks to break down barriers and create a more inclusive and equitable community for all.