Athena Swan Charter

Frederick University achieved the Athena Swan Bronze Award in 2026

Frederick University is one of the first universities in Cyprus to receive the Athena SWAN Bronze Award, recognising our 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, we continue to address structural barriers and improve institutional culture.

The Bronze Award marks an important milestone in our journey, demonstrating both the progress we have made and our commitment to sustained action that supports diversity, equality, and inclusion across the University.

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

In a statement, the President of the Council of Frederick University, Ms Natassa Frederickou, noted:

“This distinction is an important 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 played a decisive role in the successful outcome of the process. I would also like to express our sincere gratitude to the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education (CYQAA), and particularly to its former President, Professor Mary Koutselini, for taking the initiative to bring the Athena SWAN programme to Cyprus, giving Cypriot universities the opportunity to participate in this important international evaluation process.”

The Athena SWAN assessment process is considered particularly rigorous, as it requires extensive institutional self-assessment, data analysis and the development of a comprehensive action plan to improve gender equality across all levels of university operations.

In its assessment, the committee commended Frederick University’s commitment to promoting gender equality and integrating these principles into its strategic mission.

Particular emphasis was placed on the strong governance structures supporting relevant initiatives, as well as the role of the EnAF (Equality ‘n’ Awareness @ Frederick) Centre for Gender Equality and Inclusion.

The University’s Self-Assessment Team (SAT) worked on preparing the application, which was submitted on 5 December 2025. The team comprises 17 members from the academic, research and administrative staff, as well as senior leadership, ensuring broad institutional representation and shared responsibility.

Members of the Self-Assessment Team (SAT) are:

• Ms Natassa Frederickou, President of the Council and President of ENAF
• Prof. Rita Panaoura, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and Quality Assurance 
• Ms Andrea Athanasiou, Director of Studies and Student Welfare Service
• Mr Alexis Onoufriou, Director of Research & Interconnection Service
• Ms Diana Isaia, CFO & Head of Finance and HR
• Ms Marilena Christofi, Director of the 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 Deventzis, Assistant Professor, School of Business and Law
• Dr Evanthia Asimakopoulou, Assistant Professor, School of Health Sciences
• Dr Achilleas Achilleos, Lecturer, Engineering School
• Dr Marios Theodorou, Lecturer, School of Education and Social Sciences
• Ms Irene Angastiniotis, Special Teaching Staff, Center of Languages
• Ms Vasso Peristiani, Quality Assurance Unit Manager and Director of Health & Safety Office

Ms Tonia Stavrinou, Coordinator of the evaluation process