A significant event aimed at advancing women’s entrepreneurship within the agrifood sector was recently organized by the University of Thessaly, in collaboration with AWomanCanBe.org. A prominent figure at the event was Professor Chrysi Laspidou, who serves as the Vice-Rector for Innovation, Internationalization, Partnerships, and Digital Governance at the University of Thessaly. Professor Laspidou was instrumental in formulating the vision and objectives of this initiative.

Professor Laspidou, who also serves as the head of One Planet Thessaly, delivered a persuasive address that highlighted the vital role of women entrepreneurs in the transformation of the agrifood sector in Greece. She emphasized the necessity of empowering women by providing access to education, mentorship, and innovative tools, asserting that sustainable development in the agrifood sector must be both inclusive and forward-looking.

The primary objective of the event was to inform participants about the European program Empowering Women in Agrifood (EWA) 2025, which is being executed by the European organization EIT Food in collaboration with AWomanCanBe.org.

Professor Laspidou emphasized that such initiatives are not only crucial for promoting gender equity but also act as catalysts for regional development and the enhancement of innovation ecosystems, particularly in Thessaly, a region with deep agricultural traditions.

The event attracted participants from various sectors of the agrifood value chain, including aspiring entrepreneurs, students, researchers, and business owners. The Rector of University of Thessaly Professor Charalambos Billinis, delivered an address highlighting the university’s distinguished reputation in agricultural and veterinary sciences and emphasized that the University of Thessaly, with its five Departments of Agricultural Sciences and its global recognition in Veterinary Studies, is uniquely equipped to facilitate this transformation.

The key highlights of the event included a presentation by Ms. Vanessa Archontidou of AWomanCanBe.org, who provided a comprehensive overview of the application process for the EWA 2025 program. Additionally, a panel discussion featured Ms. Irini-Christina Spanouli, the recipient of last year’s EWA Greece award. Mrs Spanouli shared her inspiring journey in establishing Karpologio and discussed how the EWA initiative facilitated the growth of her family business.

The event concluded with a creative problem-solving workshop, during which participants engaged in collaborative, hands-on activities under the guidance of mentors. This approach aligns with Professor Laspidou’s vision of integrating academic knowledge with entrepreneurial practice.

The University of Thessaly and AWomanCanBe.org reaffirmed their commitment to promoting inclusive growth and entrepreneurial opportunities. Under the leadership of Vice-Rector Chrysi Laspidou, Thessaly is emerging as a model region for gender-responsive innovation in the fields of agriculture and food.