Initiative

Gender equality in female entrepreneurship

Summary of the initiative

The Hellenic Confederation of Professionals, Craftsmen and Merchants (GSEVEE) was founded in 1919. GSEVEE is a cross-sectoral, employer organisation in Greece and one of the major social partners that co-sign the National General Collective Agreement.  GSEVEE has established a Small Enterprises’ Institute (IME GSEVEE), which carries out studies, research and surveys and provides support services focusing on micro and small enterprises, active mainly in manufacture, services and commerce. Among its different activities, IME GSEVEE has set up a Gender Equality Office, which is dedicated to promoting female entrepreneurship and promoting equality between women and men in decision-making.

IME GSEVEE has conducted a relevant study on mapping the current situation regarding the participation of women in the decision-making centres of the collective bodies of the professional sectors represented by GSEVEE. The existing situation confirms the prevalence of the so-called “glass ceiling” and horizontal job segregation. During 2013, workshops were carried out on female empowerment for increasing their participation in positions of responsibility through different measures, including: developing communication skills and shaping the public image in the field of representative organisation; providing information about the gender equality policies and rules, promoting good practices examples and involving participants during the seminars in relevant interactive exercises.

The priority “Addressing gender stereotypes” has been tackled, for example, by publishing educational material, handbooks on the glass ceiling, and on work-life balance, and a guide on reinforcing women’s position in the representative institutions, aimed at the wider public, also through its concrete website. Information material has been produced and a one day conference on "Representing women entrepreneurs in times of economic crisis" was organised. Additionally, GSEVEE Gender Equality Office has participated in a series of events held by other stakeholders, and concluded a cooperation agreement with a university institution.

Last but not least, IME GSEVEE operates a service helpline to women offering information on representation, entrepreneurship, lifelong learning and other gender-related issues.  Furthermore, a network of cooperation with relevant bodies on a national, regional and European level (e.g. women NGOs, the Ombudsman, Municipalities and UEAPME) has been set up.  It aims at improving the implementation of legislation and other measures related to self-employed women, e.g. the transposition of Directive 2010/41/EU concerning maternity rights and social protection for self-employed women, into the Greek legislation with the L. Act 4097/2012. Currently there is a new initiative for setting up a consultancy system for empowering female entrepreneurs. 

Comment: IME GSEVEE Gender Equality Office is co-financed by Greece and the European Union, in the framework of the “Action Plan for the promotion of Women in the Decision-making Centres of GSEVEE Collective Bodies”, under the Operational Programme “Administrative Reform 2007-2013”.representatives.