Aristotle University of Thessaloniki for the first time allows the possibility of choosing a third gender

The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki took a first step regarding the possibility of self -determination in relation to gender.

Specifically, following a decision of the board of directors of the Training and Lifelong Learning Centre (KEDIVIM) of AUTh, during the process of completing personal data, in the category “Gender”, in addition to “man” and “woman”, “other “was added.

This is the first time that a structure of AUTh provides a third possibility of gender selection.

In addition, changes were made in the same direction in the Internal Regulations of KEDIVIM which was approved by the Senate of the university and on April 19 was published in a gazette.

Dimitra Kogkidou, chairwoman of the Gender Equality Committee of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and coordinator of the Network of Gender Equality Committees of universities, spoke to Voria about the issue.

“We have two positive steps at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in the direction of inclusion. The first is that the new Internal Rules of Operation of KEDIVIM have been drafted in non-sexist language and the second is the possibility for a third gender registration in the process of filling in personal data,” she said.

Kogkidou also noted that “if we want to have a modern and inclusive university that will move towards achieving substantial gender equality, then it is necessary to use a language that does not exclude and respects the right to self-determination by providing visibility of all gender identities.”

Specifically, she pointed out that the new Internal Rules of Operation of KEDIVIM is essentially the first Government Gazette (1940 / 19-4-2022 / t.BD) that concerns the AUTh and in which there is no general use of the masculine gender.

The inclusion of the gender dimension in the public discourse of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki was a goal of the previous “Gender and Equality Committee”.

This occured since 2015, but without any progress at the institutional – administrative level as there was no will of the rectory authorities to promote the issue.

The transcendence of language sexism is also a goal of the new Committee on Gender Equality made on the basis of law 4589, which seeks to harmonise the AUTh with the current legislation regarding administrative documents and to gradually proceed with a long-term planning of the remaining changes in all levels of his public speech, but this has not been achieved so far.