Womathon

Description

Gender equality in the workplace is a frequent issue. Scholarship and research are areas where discrimination against women is particularly prominent. Although women have increased opportunities to study and work in research and academia, obstacles in their professional development remain. 
Womathon aims at shedding light on this phenomenon, known as the “glass ceiling phenomenon”, through the personal stories of female scholars and researchers. 
The problem will be identified though a combined methodology including: 1. Research with the participation of female scholars and researchers as well as men or women involved in the selection process or professional development of staff in relevant fields and 2. storytelling workshops in three distinct circles, broken up on the basis of the research fields and professional interests of participating women (humanities, technology, natural sciences). The results of the research and the key outcomes of personal stories shall be discussed at a round table, published in a booklet and summarized in a short video. 
Target audiences include two distinct groups: 1. female scholars/researchers aged 35+, namely at an age when professional development becomes a desideratum and first signs of discrimination are observed and 2. men or women heading research centers, academic departments or research departments who play a role in HR and selection processes. 
Storymentor-Stories that Change the World, a new non-profit organization focusing on storytelling as a key  for meaningful and empathetic communication, shall use personal stories as a medium to raise awareness of discriminations in scholarship and amplify the voices of women. 
 

Summary of project results

The project aimed to address the "glass ceiling" phenomenon in Greece, focusing on these challenges:

• Gender Inequality in Professional Development: Women face unequal treatment in the workplace, including lower salaries, intrusive questions about family life, and fewer opportunities for advancement compared to men with similar qualifications.
• Limited Awareness of the Glass Ceiling: Despite studies documenting these issues, the phenomenon is not widely recognized or understood, and women often perceive these incidents as isolated, personal cases rather than systemic challenges.
• Unpreparedness Among Younger Women: Women at the early stages of their careers lack awareness and preparation to navigate and challenge the barriers posed by the glass ceiling.

The "WOMATHON" project employed storytelling as its primary tool to examine and raise awareness of the glass ceiling phenomenon. The key activities included:

• Survey on Awareness: Conducted a survey among active female professionals from various fields to document their awareness and understanding of the glass ceiling, revealing that knowledge about the issue remains insufficient.
• Storytelling Workshops: Delivered digital workshops for 45 women aged 35 and above, introducing them to storytelling techniques and facilitating the sharing of personal experiences related to the glass ceiling.
• Creation of Media Outputs:
  • A booklet compiling 20 personal stories was produced and disseminated to participants, opinion leaders in politics, education, and entrepreneurship.
  • A short video with interview excerpts was shared on social media and sent to media representatives to broaden awareness.
• Private Storytelling Sessions: Provided additional opportunities for women to share their experiences, even beyond the planned workshops, showing the project''s organic growth and impact.
• Final Presentation and Open Event: Organized a live event where 70 women and a few men shared stories and participated in discussions on strategies to address the glass ceiling.

Beneficiaries:

• Women Professionals: The primary beneficiaries were women professionals, particularly those aged 35 and above, who participated in storytelling workshops, shared their experiences, and gained empowerment and validation by recognizing shared systemic challenges.
• Policy Makers and Opinion Leaders: The project reached key stakeholders in politics, education, and entrepreneurship through the dissemination of the booklet and video, encouraging dialogue on tackling gender inequality.
• General Public and Media: The project''s media outputs raised broader awareness of the glass ceiling phenomenon, sparking conversations among a wider audience.

Outcomes and Impacts:

• Increased Awareness: By documenting and sharing personal stories, the project illuminated the prevalence and systemic nature of the glass ceiling, countering the perception that such incidents are isolated or personal.
• Empowerment Through Storytelling: Participants gained tools to articulate their experiences, fostering a sense of solidarity and empowering them to advocate for change.
• Advocacy Materials: The booklet and video served as advocacy tools to raise awareness among decision-makers and the public, ensuring the issue''s visibility.
• Community Engagement: The final event fostered open dialogue and collective brainstorming on solutions, engaging women and men in discussions with state representatives.

Impact: The "WOMATHON" project brought the glass ceiling issue into focus in Greece, providing a platform for women to share their experiences and influencing broader discussions on workplace equality. It also equipped participants with storytelling skills that could be used for ongoing advocacy and personal empowerment, laying the groundwork for cultural and policy changes to address gender-based professional barriers.