Gender Equality Plan

DEBATE HOUSE – GENDER EQUALITY PLAN (GEP)

Adopted: March 2026 | Version 1.0

1. Purpose and Commitment

Debate House is actively committed to promoting gender equality and inclusion across all its internal operations. As an organization that fosters public dialogue, it recognizes that equal participation is a fundamental element of democracy and quality discourse.

This Gender Equality Plan (GEP) constitutes an official commitment of the organization and is integrated into its strategy and governance.

2. Legal Framework and Compliance

This plan is aligned with:

  • The Horizon Europe programme requirements for Gender Equality Plans

  • The EU Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025

  • Law 4604/2019 (Substantive gender equality, prevention and combating of gender-based violence)

  • Law 4443/2016 (Equal treatment regardless of gender)

  • The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR – EU 2016/679)

3. Scope

The GEP applies to:

  • Board members

  • Volunteers

  • External collaborators

It covers all internal processes and collaborations.

4. Mandatory GEP Elements

4.1 Public Commitment

This document:

  • Is approved by the board

  • Is publicly available

  • Constitutes an official organizational policy

4.2 Dedicated Resources

Given the size of the organization:

  • A board member is designated as the Gender Equality Contact Person (GECP)

  • Management time is allocated for GEP implementation

  • No separate budget is required, but actions are integrated into existing operations

4.3 Data Collection and Monitoring

Debate House collects gender data through its platform for:

  • Participation monitoring

  • Internal evaluation

  • Reports to funding bodies

The data:

  • Is analyzed in aggregate form

  • Is not used for individual evaluation

  • Complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

4.4 Training and Awareness

Debate House applies a light but meaningful approach:

  • Team awareness on equality issues and biases

  • Integration of equality principles in decision-making

  • Dissemination of best practices through the board

5. Thematic Areas of Action

5.1 Gender Balance in Participation

  • Monitoring gender ratio in the volunteer team

  • Target: achieving at least a 60%-40% ratio within 12 months of the adoption of this plan

5.2 Equality in Decision-Making

  • Ensuring equal participation in decision-making

  • Encouraging all voices regardless of gender

5.3 Organizational Culture

  • Zero tolerance for discrimination

  • Promoting respect and inclusion

  • Addressing biases

5.4 Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence and Sexual Harassment

Debate House enforces a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of gender-based violence, sexual harassment, and intimidation. The management mechanism includes:

  • Confidential reporting to the GECP via a dedicated email

  • Case-by-case evaluation with confidentiality and respect for the victim

  • Proportionate measures, including removal from the organization

  • Referral to competent authorities where required

5.5 Work-Life Balance

Debate House recognizes the importance of balancing personal life and volunteer engagement and implements:

  • Flexible volunteer participation schedules

  • Remote participation options for meetings and activities

  • Respect for personal and family obligations when planning activities

6. Reporting Mechanism

7. Indicators and Targets (KPIs)

Debate House defines the following indicative metrics:

  • Participation rate by gender

  • Gender ratio in the board

  • Number of reports/incidents

  • Level of participation in processes

Target:

  • Maintaining balance where feasible

  • Continuous improvement without strict quotas

8. Monitoring and Review

  • Annual internal evaluation

  • Adaptation of measures

  • Policy updates where required

The first review will take place by March 2027.

9. Roles and Responsibilities

Board

  • Approves and implements the GEP

  • Monitors progress

  • Ensures compliance

GECP

  • Manages reports

  • Monitors indicators

  • Supports implementation

10. Statement of Commitment

Debate House confirms that gender equality is a fundamental element of its operations and commits to implementing this GEP with consistency and transparency.