EUt+ Supports Gender Equality through the “Christiana Kouta Women’s Personality Award”

The EUt+ Coordinating Centre has once again placed the promotion of equality and inclusion among its priorities, actively supporting this year’s “Christiana Kouta Women’s Personality Award” event. The event was co-organized by the Equality Committee and the Diversity and Inclusion Office of the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) and took place on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, at the “Tassos Papadopoulos” Amphitheatre of the University, on the occasion of International Women’s Day.

A welcome address was delivered by the Rector of the Cyprus University of Technology, Professor Panayiotis Zaphiris, who underlined that International Women’s Day is an important opportunity to recognize the contribution of women to society, science, and education. As he noted, this day is not merely a symbolic date, but a reminder that the pursuit of substantive gender equality remains ongoing and requires collective effort.

The Rector also highlighted that the Cyprus University of Technology consistently strives to cultivate an academic environment where every individual has equal opportunities to develop and create, regardless of gender or other characteristics. He further referred to the importance of the “Christiana Kouta Women’s Personality Award,” which honors the memory of a woman who left her own mark and celebrates women whose work and actions serve as a source of inspiration for both the university community and society at large.

Professor Soteris Kalogirou, Head of the EUt+ Coordinating Centre, emphasized in his address that gender equality is not an abstract concept, but a daily pursuit and a continuous responsibility. He noted that Christiana Kouta left a lasting imprint on both the University and EUt+, defending through her actions the principles of equality and inclusion. Her legacy, he added, continues to guide and inspire the community.

This year, the award was presented to Dr Elena Roussou, Assistant Professor at the Department of Nursing of the Cyprus University of Technology, in recognition of her contribution and achievements within the university community.