While Cyprus is becoming a diverse society, and while a lot of work has been done in terms of the legislation framework on anti-discrimination, the reality is that there is a long way to go for the implementation of the principles of anti-discrimination in policies and public actions and in public and private organizations and businesses. Even more, the sensitization of the general public on issues of equality in view of the economic cirsis is declining. The capacities of male and female professionals working with equality – e.g. business and union executives, managers and trade unionists – need opportunities of advancement. The research based knowledge on discrimination is low. Additionally, as cultural diversity becomes a reality in all areas of life, the workplace is by far the most profound environment where discrimination is practiced. Diversity management, thus, is an imperative need for public and private organizations. Bearing in mind this gap of anti-discrimination practice, the ultimate aim of this project is to challenge the extant state of tradition by (1) assembling experts and professionals from the EU and from Cyprus into a working environment of exchanging good practices, experiences and mutual learning, (2) setting down training modules and carrying out specialized training for professionals working on anti-discrimination, (3) carrying out multiple discrimination research, (4) producing printed, electronic and audiovisual material for dissemination and (5) employing a broad spectrum of means in embedding an anti-discrimination awareness into the general public. The project’s activities aim at addressing all grounds of discrimination. In some activities, though, ethnicity and religious belief will be particularly highlighted.
Thus, the project objectives and the content of the activities, meet the terms of objectives of the PROGRESS call of equality, which promotes equality beyond legislation, fosters dissemination of information at EU and national level and identifies transferable best practices within the European frame.
The expected results of the proposed activities vary. In relation to the research activity, it is expected that fresh knowledge on multiple discrimination directly from employees as well from men and women with multiple identities experiencing discrimination will be produced contributing, thus, to the construction than the accumulation of qualitative research-based knowledge. Additionally, it is expected that professionals following the specialized training modules as well as the conference will build their capacities and increase their influence in dealing with anti-discrimination issues and diversity management within their organizations. Finally, it is expected that the campaign will boost the general public awareness on equality, the consequences of discrimination as well as the benefits of eliminating it. With the completion of each activity, a number of tangible outputs will be produced, including manuals, research reports and audiovisual and printed materials as well intangible ones such as seminars and conferences. The target audience varies depending on each of the proposed activity. It ranges from policy makers to the general public, experts and professionals, trade unionists, union and business executives, employees and employers. Similarly, the beneficiaries differ based upon the activities thought that some of the outputs of certain activities are intangible, the beneficiary is considered to be the society as a whole.
The project aims to contribute towards the implementation of the non-discrimination principle by engaging different groups of people living in the Island. Specifically, the objectives of the project are:
- Sharing of experience, exchanging of good practices and mutual learning between EU and local experts, public authorities’ representatives and business and union executives,
- Establishing synergies of collaboration between institutions for networking, exchange of knowledge and best practices during and after the completion of the project,
- Promoting the principle of anti-discrimination in organizations’ practices
(I.e. annual reports, research studies, lobbying and collective bargaining),
- Building the capacities of professionals on diversity management by enriching their theoretical backgrounds, informing them on the pertinent legislative framework, analyzing examples of good practices and motivating them to take action,
- Researching and mapping of cases of multiple discrimination and constructing qualitative and research based knowledge
The project is coordinated by INEK-PEO (Cyprus Labour Institute of PEO) and implemented in cooperation with KISA – Action for Equality, Support, Antiracism, the Office of the Commissioner of Administration (Ombudswoman) and Human Rights and the Cyprus Academy of Public Administration (CAPA).
Have a look at the projects website for more info.
