For the first time in Greece’s history, female unemployment has fallen to a single-digit rate — a milestone highlighted by Labour and Social Affairs Minister Nikē Kerameos at the SEV Women Forward Summit on March 10, 2026. Speaking before business leaders and policymakers, Kerameos noted that when the current government assumed office, female unemployment stood at 22.1%. Today, it has dropped below 10%, meaning more than 260,000 women who were outside the labour force in 2019 are now employed.
Progress and Policy Measures
Kerameos outlined key developments over the past four years aimed at boosting women’s participation in the workforce and supporting motherhood. Among them: an expansion of maternity leave from six to nine months; the introduction of a dedicated leave entitlement for assisted reproduction; and the option for fathers to take part of the parental leave. Additionally, the government is implementing a programme to create 10,000 new jobs — with priority given to women.
Breaking Stereotypes, Building Confidence
Spyros Theodoropoulos, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEV), stressed the need to dismantle gender stereotypes that continue to limit women’s professional opportunities. “Women are equal to men. We must instil this truth in our children and encourage girls to dare more, to claim their space, and to dream boldly,” he said.
He acknowledged that while progress is real and measurable, entrenched societal expectations around gender roles persist — shaped significantly by education and family influence. “We haven’t reached our goal yet, but progress is tangible — the result of collective effort by society, the state, and women themselves.”
Leadership and Institutional Change
In a leadership dialogue titled ‘Institutions, Leadership and Equality in a Changing World’, former President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou and Melina Traulou, President of the Union of Greek Shipowners, shared insights on representation and perception. Sakellaropoulou observed that women in top leadership positions still draw disproportionate attention — a reflection of persistent bias. Traulou pointed out that women are often judged for juggling multiple roles simultaneously, underscoring the need for equal opportunity and trust in professional settings — particularly in male-dominated sectors like shipping.
Anna Diamantopoulou, former European Commissioner and Chair of the Diktyo Network, emphasized that universal access to childcare and support for eldercare are essential enablers of women’s workforce participation. She also highlighted ongoing efforts led by the Minister of Social Cohesion — though her name was not completed in the source text.