Diversity and inclusion office and Equality committee
CUT has developed dedicated institutional structures to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and human rights across all areas of university life. At the core of this framework are the Diversity and Inclusion Office and the Equality Committee, both formally mandated by the University administration and operating under the authority of the Rector. These bodies advise, implement, and monitor institutional policies, programmes, and training that promote equality, prevent discrimination, and foster a respectful, inclusive, and empowering university environment.
Diversity and Inclusion Office
The Diversity and Inclusion Office is the University’s primary operational body responsible for embedding the principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) into institutional policy, governance, and culture. Reporting directly to the Rector, the Office is staffed by three administrative personnel who coordinate strategic and educational initiatives to foster respect, understanding, and representation across the university community.
Its mission is to empower the university community by developing and implementing actions that promote awareness, eliminate bias, and integrate diversity into all levels of university life. The Office supports the implementation of the University’s Equality Plan and Equal Access Plan for Persons with Disabilities, and develops institutional tools such as the Inclusive Language Guide to ensure that inclusivity and equal opportunities are systematically embedded across university operations.
In collaboration with the Equality Committee, the Office organises public events, workshops, and internal training sessions to raise awareness and foster understanding on equality, diversity, inclusion, and human rights. These initiatives promote a culture of mutual respect, belonging, and social responsibility, further embedding inclusivity into the everyday experience of students and staff.
At the European level, the Office represents CUT within the European University of Technology (EUt+) Alliance, contributing to the establishment of the EUt+ Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Office, which promotes collaboration and alignment of EDI policies across nine partner universities in Europe.
Equality Committee
The Equality Committee serves as a formal advisory body to the Rector, responsible for advancing equality, diversity, and inclusion across all areas of the University’s operations and enhancing CUT’s overall performance in these domains.
The Committee’s work is structured around three core pillars:
- Policy-making: advising the Rectorate on equality and inclusion strategies, aligning institutional actions with national and EU legislation.
- Consultation and support: collaborating with university services, other relevant committees, working groups, and external stakeholders to promote coordinated action and exchange of good practices.
- Awareness and education: fostering inclusive attitudes, gender balance, and diversity across the academic and administrative community.
The Committee works in close collaboration with the Diversity and Inclusion Office to propose, implement, and evaluate equality-related initiatives and institutional action plans. It also cultivates inter-institutional collaborations and participates in national and European initiatives on gender equality and inclusion.
2024 Activities and Awareness Initiatives
In 2024, the Diversity and Inclusion Office and the Equality Committee delivered a series of activities, training sessions, awareness campaigns, and external engagements, both independently and in collaboration, aimed at strengthening the University’s EDI culture.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Evaluation Survey (September 2024)
In September 2024, the Diversity and Inclusion Office of CUT conducted a comprehensive university-wide EDI Evaluation Survey among students and staff. The survey aimed to capture perceptions, experiences, and suggestions regarding equality, diversity, and inclusion across academic, administrative, and social aspects of university life.
Developed as part of the review process concluding the Equality Plan 2020-2024, the survey provided an essential evidence base for the formulation of the upcoming Equality Action Plan 2025-2028. Separate questionnaires were designed for students and staff to ensure that distinct perspectives were accurately reflected and integrated into future institutional planning.
More info can be found here.
Participation in the 1st European Conference on Gender Budgeting (Nicosia, February 2024)
As representatives of the Equality Committee, Ms. Charia Andreou and Dr. Anastasia Kopita participated as members of the Scientific Committee at the 1st European Conference on Gender Budgeting: Achievements, Challenges, and the Way Forward, held in Nicosia on 22-23 February 2024. The event, organised by the Cyprus Gender Budgeting Platform, brought together economists and policymakers from 21 countries, 26 distinguished speakers, and representatives from the United Nations, the European Commission (DG for Structural Reform Support), the OECD, and the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE).
Over 200 delegates from government, academia, the private sector, and NGOs, including the President of the House of Representatives, the Commissioner for Equality, and the Auditor General of the Republic of Cyprus, attended the conference to exchange best practices and explore strategies for advancing gender-responsive budgeting across Europe. Through this participation, CUT strengthened its contribution to European and national policy dialogue on gender equality and inclusive financial governance.
More info can be found here.
Training: “Empowerment Against Sexual Harassment at the Workplace”
Organised in collaboration with the Center for Social Innovation (CSI Cyprus), this specialised training was delivered to members of the Equality Committee to strengthen their capacity in preventing and addressing workplace harassment. The session focused on practical strategies, legal frameworks, and support mechanisms for creating a safe and respectful work environment.
Participants were introduced to the national and EU legal context, the employer’s responsibility to maintain a harassment-free workplace, and best practices for identifying, documenting, and managing incidents. The training also explored emotional intelligence and communication skills as key tools for fostering inclusion and promoting a culture of respect and zero tolerance towards harassment.
More info can be found here.
Workshop: “Deconstructing Stereotypes and Biases through Inclusive Communication”(for staff)
Organised by the Diversity and Inclusion Office, this interactive workshop aimed to help CUT staff identify unconscious biases and apply inclusive communication practices that promote respect, fairness, and representation in daily interactions. The session was designed and delivered by Dr. Eleni Pasia, Postdoctoral Research Associate at CUT.
Participants explored the concept of inclusive language as a tool to challenge gender stereotypes and promote equality, drawing on the University’s Inclusive Language Guide. Practical examples, case studies, and group exercises encouraged reflection on linguistic bias and demonstrated how language can reinforce or dismantle social hierarchies. The workshop also highlighted good practices for ensuring accessibility, gender-neutral phrasing, and balanced representation in both written and verbal communication.
More info can be found here.
Workshop: “Creating Accessible and Inclusive Spaces” (for students)
Organised by the Diversity and Inclusion Office in collaboration with the Diversity Charter Cyprus (Center for Social Innovation), this interactive workshop introduced students to the principles of physical and digital accessibility and the importance of designing spaces that promote participation and belonging for all members of the university community.
Delivered by Ms. Eleni Ploutarchou, Head of Diversity Charter Cyprus, the session explored real-life examples of inclusive environments and practical strategies for improving accessibility in educational, social, and work settings. Through group discussions and problem-solving exercises, participants identified barriers within campus spaces and proposed targeted improvements, fostering a culture of empathy, awareness, and shared responsibility.
More info can be found here.
Women’s Personality Award (2021- ongoing)
Since 2021, the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) has established the Women’s Personality Award, an annual institutional distinction that honours an outstanding female personality from the university community. The award recognises excellence in academia, leadership, and social contribution, while also acknowledging the challenges and barriers women may face in their professional and personal advancement.
Through this recognition, CUT reaffirms its commitment to gender equality, empowerment, and the promotion of women’s participation and visibility across all areas of university life. The initiative also serves as a platform to highlight positive role models and inspire broader institutional and societal awareness on gender equity.
More info can be found here.
Through the coordinated work of the Diversity and Inclusion Office and the Equality Committee, CUT ensures that diversity, equity, and inclusion are fully integrated into its governance, education, and workplace culture. These structures not only promote compliance with equality and human rights standards but also cultivate an inclusive and empowering environment for all members of the university community.