Athena Swan Charter

Frederick University's Journey with the Athena Swan Charter

The University's commitment to advancing equality took a significant step forward in September 2023, when it joined the Athena Swan Charter.

This globally recognized framework is designed to support and drive gender equality in higher education and research. Frederick University is participating in the three-year pilot program initiated by the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education (CYQAA) in collaboration with Advance HE, aiming to establish an Athena Swan Charter tailored to the context of Cyprus.

As part of this initiative, Frederick University will apply for an institutional Athena Swan Bronze Award.

The University's Athena Swan Self-Assessment (SAS) Team is actively working on the application, which is scheduled for submission in November 2025. This effort underscores the University's dedication to embedding gender equality across all areas of its operations and fostering an inclusive academic and research environment.

By participating in this charter, Frederick University joins a global community of institutions committed to embedding gender equality in their systems, policies, and practices. We are proud to be among the first universities in Cyprus to apply for the Athena Swan Award, aligning with our broader efforts to create a supportive and equitable working environment for all staff, while also enhancing retention and progression for women in academia and research.

By leveraging the expertise and resources offered by Advance HE, we are committed to driving transformational change that aligns with global best practices in sustainability, gender equality, and educational innovation. These efforts strengthen our governance and ensure that we are well-positioned to meet the evolving challenges of higher education.

The University's Athena Swan Self-Assessment (SAS) Team members are

• Ms Natassa Frederickou, President of the Council
• Prof. Rita Panaoura, Dean of School of Education and Social Sciences
• Ms Andrea Athanasiou, Director of Studies and Student Welfare Service
• Mr Alexis Onoufriou, Director of Research & Interconnection Service
• Ms Diana Isaia, Chief Financial Officer
• Ms Marilena Christofi, Director of Rector’s Office
• Dr Petroula Mavrikiou, Associate Professor, School of Business and Law
• Dr Nicoletta Christodoulou, Associate Professor, School of Education and Social Sciences
• Mr Constantinos Kounnis, Associate Professor, School of Arts, Communication and Cultural Studies
• Dr Demetris Devetzis, Assistant Professor, School of Business and Law
• Dr Evanthia Asimakopoulou, Assistant Professor, School of Health Sciences
• Dr Achilleas Achilleos, Lecturer, School of Engineering
• Dr Marios Theodorou, Lecturer, School of Education & Social Sciences
• Ms Irini Angastinioti, Special Teaching Staff, Center of Languages
• Ms Vasso Peristiani, Quality Assurance Unit Manager and Director of Health & Safety Office
• Ms Toula Dimitropoulou, Career Office Coordinator

Ms Tonia Stavrinou, Co-Ordinator of Athena Swan assessment process