It was held with great success on Monday, June 2, 2025 , at Escape Athens , the interactive workshop “Speaking Loudly” , an initiative of Diversity Charter Greece and KEAN , within the framework of the European project SPEED FEM and on the occasion of the closing of the European Diversity Month .

The event was opened with a greeting by the President of KEAN and Founder of Diversity Charter Greece , Stavros Milionis , who emphasized: “With our meeting today, at the close of the European Diversity Month, we choose to give voice to what is often silenced: how workers experience their daily lives, the difficulties and inequalities they encounter – especially women – and the need to create, together, a work culture based on empathy, inclusion and respect .”

Part A: Mental Health in the Workplace

The first part focused on the destigmatization of mental health and modern approaches to supporting employees.

Sofia Drosou , Psychologist MSc, President of Ethos Hub and ADHD HELLAS , in her speech entitled “Working with Soul: Mental Health, Gender and (in)equalities in the Workplace” , referred to the particular difficulties experienced by people with mental health issues in the workplace, emphasizing that women, due to social expectations, are often called upon to hide their difficulties, taking on excessive burdens.

Dimitra Sofianou , MSc Psychologist and Project Manager at KEAN , presented the importance of mental health in the integration of people with disabilities in the workplace and sports, highlighting the need to create environments that respect different needs and rhythms.

The good practices of the companies that were presented were shining examples:

• Zoe Nitsiou , Talent & Development Lead at Deloitte , presented the company’s initiatives to combat discrimination against employees with mental health issues, emphasizing the creation of safe environments and a culture of acceptance.
• Daphne Kaloudi , Internal Communications Manager of OPAP , presented the experience of #OPAPWellness , a program that takes care of the mental and physical well-being of employees, highlighting the importance of prevention and corporate care.

Part B: Women’s Empowerment & Inclusive Leadership

The second part opened with a profound and powerful statement by Katerina Gagaki — a communication expert, Inspirational Speaker and woman with a strong public presence. With boldness and sensitivity, she spoke openly about the multiple challenges women face in administration, the media and public discourse, highlighting the need to break with stereotypes and claim the space they deserve. With honest and humane speech, she called for more authenticity, freedom and solidarity among women, reminding us that real power is born through connection, resistance and a voice that is not afraid to be heard.

Raina Melissinou , Senior Project Manager of KEAN, presented the European project SpeedFem , which is being implemented in Greece and Italy – two countries with the lowest performance in gender equality in the EU. The project aims to strengthen female presence, skills and leadership in the workplace.

Anna Apergi , Special Advisor at Diversity Charter Greece, presented the new mentoring action that is being launched within the framework of SpeedFem, aiming to support vulnerable women and femininity from company executives. She referred to the responsibilities of the mentor and the crucial role of empathy in the process. Several companies-members of the Diversity Charter for Greek companies have already registered to participate.

Vicky Charitou , HR Manager, Adult Educator and Career Coach, guided the audience in a mini workshop, with interactive exercises and questions, focusing on the empowerment of women in the professional arena and the value of support through communities.

Finally, Sofia Stamou , Communication Manager of Olympia Odos , presented the company’s initiatives to promote gender equality in a male-dominated industry, highlighting the need for a strategic approach and continuous development.

 Interaction & Participation

The audience actively participated in discussions, asked questions and exchanged experiences and opinions, creating an open and safe space for dialogue . Many of the participants expressed the need for more such initiatives , which unite the business world with social needs and the human dimension of work.

The event closed with a buffet and networking, giving the participants the opportunity to get to know each other and continue the conversation with more relaxation and substance.