On Wednesday 9 and Thursday 10 July 2025, the first two online meetings for the creation of the Regional Network for Combating Gender Violence, were successfully held. The initiative belongs to the Ladies' Union of Drama - ΗΟΗ, and is carried out in the framework of the implementation of the project "Time to TALK II". The Network under establishment is one of the main objectives of the project and aspires to function as a stable and substantial platform for interconnection and cooperation between local and regional actors, in order to prevent and address gender-based violence, strengthen intersectoral cooperation and exchange of good practices. The two meetings were attended by participants from the Prefectures of Drama, Kavala, Xanthi, Komotini and Alexandroupolis, representing Police Departments, District Courts, social services, health structures, Counselling Centres and Shelters, as well as other institutional and social bodies of the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. Although some institutions were unable to attend due to official obligations, they expressed their intention to participate and support the Network in subsequent phases.
The project team, the President of the Ladies' Union of Drama - ΗΟΗ, Mrs. Aliki Tsiamoura, and the scientific collaborator of the project, Mrs. Sevasti Hadjifotiou, presented to the participants the content and objectives of the project, as well as the route and the important social work of the organization. At the same time, a constructive introductory circle took place, during which each participant presented the organisation he/she represents, the actions he/she implements, the challenges he/she faces and the shortcomings recorded in practice, especially in terms of cooperation and management of gender-based violence incidents. The atmosphere of the meetings was very positive and encouraging. All participants acknowledged the importance and necessity of the initiative, stressing that the establishment of an organized and functional network will significantly strengthen the local community in the face of gender-based violence. The advantages of interconnection were highlighted, such as enhanced communication between services, timely and more coordinated response to incidents, and the possibility of joint planning of prevention and intervention. The Ladies' Union of Drama - ΗΟΗ, with its long experience in the field, aspires to form a sustainable, active and effective Network, which will continue to evolve through regular thematic meetings, educational activities, coordination tools and joint initiatives focusing on people and equality.
The project “DEVELOPMENT OF PREVENTION-ACTIVITY ACTIVITIES FOR PREVENTION-TO-COMBAT VIOLENCE – PREVENTION-INTERVENTION OF VIOLENCE II”, implemented by the Ladies’ Union of Drama – HOH., is carried out under the “Eastern Macedonia, Thrace 2021-2027” Programme and the priority “Social inclusion and poverty reduction (ESF+)”. The operation is co-financed by the European Social Fund. The project is part of the Sustainable Urban Development Strategy of the Municipality of Drama.