At the Thessaloniki Solidarity Center, we recently met a group of eight young women from Sudan who are living in temporary accommodation facilities in Lagkadikia, Polykastro, Vagiochori, and Drama. They travelled all these distances to come to the Center in order, as they told us, “to find a job.” It soon became clear that they had no information about what looking for work in Greece actually involves, what is required, and how to take the first steps.

Their stories are different, yet equally powerful:

One participant with a university degree and some professional experience, seeking opportunities to build on what she has already achieved.
A woman facing significant communication barriers, without even a personal phone, who is taking her first steps toward accessing information.
A young mother, recently recognized as a refugee, who must urgently leave the temporary accommodation facility (camp), with no provision for specialized support.

Each of them brings determination, skills, resilience, and a strong desire to learn—qualities that were evident throughout the group session.

For us, these meetings reaffirm the importance of support, timely information, and access to services that everyone is entitled to.

With gratitude for their trust and a commitment to continue standing by their side, one step at a time.

*The “Livelihoods Unlocked” project is supported by the L’Oréal Fund for Women.