Athena Swan Charter

Frederick University achieved the Athena Swan Bronze Award in 2026

Frederick University is among the first universities in Cyprus to receive the Athena SWAN Bronze Award, a recognition of its strong commitment to advancing gender equality in higher education and research.

Through targeted policies, transparent processes, and initiatives that promote equal opportunities in recruitment, career development, and leadership, Frederick University continues to address structural barriers and improve institutional culture.

The Athena Swan Bronze Award marks an important milestone in the University's journey, demonstrating both the progress it has made and its commitment to sustained action that supports diversity, equality, and inclusion across the University.

Frederick University has received this international distinction, as part of the first participation of Cypriot universities in the evaluation process of the Athena SWAN Cyprus program, which is implemented in Cyprus at the initiative of the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education (CYQAA), in collaboration with the organization Advance HE.

In a statement, the President of the Council of Frederick University, Ms. Natassa Frederickou, said:
“This distinction represents significant recognition of the collective efforts of our university community to create an environment of equality, respect, and equal opportunities. At Frederick University, we believe that promoting gender equality is a fundamental prerequisite for excellence in education and research. I would like to thank the members of the Self-Assessment Team (SAT), who worked with dedication to prepare the application and contributed decisively to the successful outcome of the process. I would also like to express our sincere thanks to the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education, and especially to its former President, Professor Mary Koutselini, for their initiative to bring the Athena SWAN program to Cyprus, giving Cypriot universities the opportunity to participate in this important international evaluation process.”

The Athena SWAN evaluation process is considered highly demanding, as it requires extensive institutional self-assessment, data analysis, and the development of a comprehensive action plan to improve gender equality at all levels of a university’s operations.

In its evaluation, the committee praised Frederick University’s commitment to promoting gender equality and the institutional integration of these principles into the strategic mission of the institution. Particular mention was made of the strong governance structures supporting equality initiatives, as well as the role of the Centre for Gender Equality and Inclusion EnAF (Equality ‘n’ Awareness @ Frederick).

The University's Athena Swan Self-Assessment Team (SAT) worked on the application, which was submitted on December 5th, 2025. The Team consists of 17 members from academic, research, administrative staff and senior leadership, ensuring broad institutional representation and shared ownership. 

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 Tonia Stavrinou, Co-Ordinator of Athena Swan assessment process