Elections 20.09.15, Answers to the Editors’ Journal

To:

Mrs. Dialekti Angeli

Efimerida ton Sintakton

Athens, 16.09.15

The questions:

1. International organizations and bodies recognize a culture

A culture of impunity in the security forces has been noted, which does not seem to have changed significantly. What will you do to prevent incidents like the “zardiniera” and other cases of abuse of power, violence, and arbitrary behavior by the police?

2. Journalists and politicians often refer to prominent women based on characteristics related to their gender. What is your party’s position regarding such sexist references?

3. Are your party’s offices accessible to People with Disabilities (PWD)?

Answers by Anna Karamano

Candidate of the Democratic Coalition PASOK/DIMAR, A’ Athens

1. Police training focuses on law enforcement. Police officers act and perform according to the way they have been trained. We believe that reforms are needed, and the content and programs of police training should be enriched to include lessons on democracy and human rights, anti-racism and anti-sexism education, negotiation techniques, and conflict resolution skills in adverse conditions. Additionally, a gender balance within the security forces could lead to less or more measured use of force. The small percentage of women serving in the Greek Police (12.6%, 2013 data) does not reflect their skills and high educational level. The equalization of the height requirement for both genders, set at 1.70 meters, constitutes clear discrimination against women, as very few Greek women surpass this height.

2. PASOK has made significant contributions to the modernization of legislation, especially in Family Law, despite facing strong opposition. However, patriarchal values, the association of political power with men, and double standards remain almost unshakable in the face of modernity’s pressures. The phenomenon can be observed where, on the one hand, political and intellectual elites try to modernize/europeanize Greece, while on the other hand, values, moral codes, mentalities, and ideas about the role of women are maintained that directly refer to traditional, patriarchal, Ottoman culture. PASOK condemns sexist references and continues the fight against gender discrimination. The elevation of Fofi Gennimata to the presidency of PASOK demonstrates this.

3.The building housing PASOK is old, and its architecture was not designed with sensitivity towards people with disabilities. However, the entrance has no stairs, and the elevators facilitate access for people with disabilities. The previous offices on Hippocrates Street had the relevant facilities. However, the accessibility of people with disabilities to PASOK’s politics is of greater importance. Since 1981, PASOK has followed a policy of unrestricted access to all major projects (airport, metro, etc.). The accessibility of people with disabilities to the Acropolis is our achievement.