PPC, for the third consecutive year, sheds light on important social issues, such as the abuse of women, and undertakes actions and initiatives to combat it, through the “PPC act” corporate responsibility program.

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, on November 25, highlights the importance of the fight to end all forms of violence against women and promote gender equality. Violence against women is not only a personal issue, but a problem that affects the entire society.

PPC, in collaboration with the research company Focus Bari, and the communication company DDB, through a large nationwide survey, attempts to highlight the issue in an active and essential way, as well as to raise awareness of the critical role of society in creating a world where women live free from the fear of violence.

This research attempts to investigate the degree of adoption of stereotypical roles and perceptions, which are linked to gender-based violence and justify abusive behaviors within the context of romantic relationships.

Focus group, teenage high school students and subject of investigation what they consider “not OK” in relationships between the two sexes. Young people are in the phase of active observation and learning of the world, they are influenced by their environment and are open to new ideas, which is why their point of view is particularly important in the effort to reverse gender stereotypes.

Young people’s opinion on gender-based violence and stereotypes

Through the analysis of the results, both the progress against chronic gender stereotypic anchorings, and the stagnation even today against others, are highlighted. Indicatively, as shown by the data of the research:

  • Only 5 in 10 female high school students and 4 in 10 male high school students say it is never true that “some men become violent toward women because women provoke them”
  • 9 out of 10 male and 10 out of 10 female high school students say it’s “never okay for a boy to force a woman to have sex with him if she flirted with him all night”
  • Only 6 in 10 female high school students and 5 in 10 male high school students strongly disagree with the statement that “Sometimes it’s women’s own fault when their partners hit them”
  • Only 2 in 10 male high school students and only 1 in 4 female high school students strongly disagree that “Women label behavior as ‘sexual harassment’ when it’s really just jokes.”
  • 55% of male high school students say “it’s OK for a boy to set limits on how his partner dresses sometimes”
  • Only 4 in 10 male high school students and only 6 in 10 female high school students strongly disagree with the statement “When a woman says no to her partner’s sexual intentions, it often means yes.”

The survey “New generation. New minds(?)” is available on the dei.gr website

In parallel with the research, PPC is implementing an informational campaign to raise public awareness to combat stereotypes and violence against women.

Sofia Dimtsa, Director of Corporate Relations and Communication PPC, said in this regard: “The elimination of stereotypical perceptions that lead to abusive behavior requires highlighting and confronting them by all of us. PPC’s initiative follows exactly this logic and for the third year in a row highlights the attitude and perceptions of Greek society on a global issue that often remains invisible. By shedding light on the source of the problem, we can address it earlier, before it escalates. This year’s PPC initiative focuses on the future and young people, who with the influences and stimuli they constantly receive, can better understand and reverse the perpetuation of stereotypical perceptions and abusive behaviors. PPC, an integral part of the social and economic fabric of the country, does not remain uninvolved and is committed to actively participate in highlighting and addressing important issues for the benefit of society as a whole.”

November 25: Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

The issue of violence against women remains a serious and complex issue in many parts of the world, and this also applies to Greece. According to the description of the UN – whose initiative is also the specific day – it concerns serious phenomena of violence against women, from verbal and psychological, to physical and sexual violence, sexual exploitation and human trafficking, as well as other forms of violence and abuse.

In Greece, efforts to address the problem have increased in recent years, with Greek Authorities, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and other agencies working more systematically to create new social conditions and positive change. Legal measures to protect women who are subjected to abusive behavior have been increased while the awareness of society is in a continuous process.