A significant educational intervention on the prevention and response to gender-based violence took place on Friday, 2 October 2026, in Thassos, as part of the TIME TO TALK II project of the Ladies Union of Drama - HOH.
The project team, with the participation of the Vice President of the Ladies Union of Drama - HOH, Ms. Aliki Tsiamoura, and the Scientific Coordinator of the project, Ms. Sevasti Chatzifotiou, responded to an invitation from the Xenios Gate Group by delivering two educational workshops and talks at the Alexandra Beach and A for Art hotels.
A total of 53 employees of the Group participated in the two activities, representing different departments, job positions and levels of responsibility within the hotel units. Their participation highlighted the importance of informing and raising awareness among staff on the prevention and response to gender-based and domestic violence.
The educational workshops focused on recognising and understanding gender-based and domestic violence, addressing the different forms and manifestations it can take, as well as the circumstances in which it may occur. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of recognising signs of abuse at an early stage and, above all, on how a person from the immediate or wider social and professional environment can respond in a supportive, responsible and safe manner.
At the same time, referral options were presented, together with ways in which the workplace can serve as an additional setting for early information, prevention and safe referral, without replacing the role of the competent services.
The active participation of the employees created a meaningful space for dialogue, where questions were raised, concerns and experiences were shared, and discussion developed around real-life challenges that may arise in everyday life.
The initiative undertaken by Xenios Gate is particularly significant, as it forms part of the Group’s broader people-centred approach to the health, safety and development of its employees. In fact, on 30 September 2026, Xenios Gate received two distinctions at the Health & Safety Awards 2026, being named WINNER in the category “Hotels & Catering – Hospitality” and receiving BRONZE in the category “Leadership & Management Commitment”, for its “We change, We grow, We lead” programme.
The activity in Thassos marks another important milestone for TIME TO TALK II, expanding access to specialised information and awareness-raising initiatives across the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. At the same time, the project’s presence in the tourism sector highlights the importance of fostering a culture of zero tolerance towards violence in every social and professional environment.
With a consistent focus on information, awareness-raising and empowerment, TIME TO TALK II continues to implement activities in different social and professional settings, aiming to strengthen knowledge, promote the early recognition of gender-based and domestic violence, and connect citizens with available support and protection mechanisms.
The project “DEVELOPMENT OF ACTIONS FOR THE PREVENTION AND COMBATING OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE – TIME TO TALK II” is implemented within the framework of the “Eastern Macedonia and Thrace 2021–2027” Programme and under the priority “Social Inclusion and Combating Poverty (ESF+)”. The project is co-financed by the European Social Fund and forms part of the Sustainable Urban Development Strategy of the Municipality of Drama.