As we reflect on International Women’s Day, it is important to celebrate the achievements, resilience, and invaluable contributions of women. This year, we are excited to share three inspiring videos that embody the spirit of empowerment, inclusion, and solidarity.

[Video 1]

In the first video, the spotlight shines on the remarkable statement of Nese, who is originally from Turkey and trained as a hairdresser, who came to Greece 15 years ago. Today she is a volunteer interpreter in French and Turkish. She shares with us her thoughts on the social status of women who do not wish to have children and the ageist racism that women experience as they grow up, a testament that defies stereotypes and challenges barriers.

[Video 2]

The second video celebrates the diverse voices and experiences of women from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Jacqueline had migrated to Greece from Sudan in 1987 and studied chemistry. Today she works as an interpreter. She remembers her first job in a supermarket and the conditions she faced there.
We also have the testament of Mira, who came to Greece 7 years ago to study Communication and Media at the University of Athens, already had a bachelor’s degree and a doctorate in Accounting and Finance from the University of Ukraine. “Greece’s legal framework for migrant women makes things difficult”, she says. Through their stories of resilience, we are reminded of the strength that lies within every woman, regardless of race, ethnicity, or socio-economic status.

[Video 3]

Lastly, we present the stories of Mamie and Xanthoula, on their working journeys. Mamie migrated to Greece from the Democratic Republic of Congo 25 years ago and studied accounting at Piraeus Technological Educational Institute. She shares with us her experience from her first job in Greece. “Women’s Day shouldn’t be just one day, we should have equal rights every day,” she says.
Xanthoula, arrived from Himarra to Samos to work, first as a sewer and then as a housekeeper in houses in Athens, until recently, when she retired. Their testaments inspire us to strive for a more inclusive and equitable world.

As we watch these videos, let us not only celebrate the achievements of women but also recognize the ongoing challenges they face and the work that remains to be done towards gender equality.
This year’s World Women’s Day is dedicated by the United Nations to the theme title “Invest in women: Accelerate progress.” It emphasizes the importance of creating an inclusive society and investing in women’s empowerment.

Happy International Women’s Day!

*Since August 1st, 2023, the operation of the Athens Solidarity Center by SolidarityNow is supported by the Swiss-Greek Cooperation Programme/Embassy of Switzerland in Greece to reducing economic and social disparities in the EU and by the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.

**Since August 2022, the Athens Solidarity Center is financed by EEA Grants with ΣΟΛ Crowe and HumanRights360 as the fund operator.

***The Center is also supported by the Municipality of Athens.