SOCIETY

The first step in addressing a problem is realising its existence. This realisation is imparted in a discreet, yet comprehensible and dynamic manner, so that it stands out. We belong to a generation of social media activism. However, if we want to truly engage with challenges faced, we must do more than “repost”. Contrary to the practices of other organisations and NGOs, WeFor structures each campaign with a comprehensive approach, with a view of alarming and educating its audience by utilising and creating new means. 

Having realised the problem, WeForWomen came to encompass a subject matter that had long been part of casual interpersonal conversations, but only an incidental reference in public dialogue, as a news flash. The organisation intended to pay gender equality the attention it requires, by establishing a network of exchanging ideas, where each and every person would be both the transmitter and the recipient of those ideas. Consequently, conceptions, ideas and beliefs would be gradually revised, therefore changing our stance towards social constructs and cultivating a social space for advanced conversation - which is the goal of WeFor. 

For the WeForWoemen campaign, the main event was “Her name in Bold”, held on March 7th, 2021, under the auspices of the Municipality of Athens and the Technopolis City of Athens. We gathered 6 women with diverse backgrounds to share their own personal stories of navigating womanhood. From the field of politics, we had Nadia Giannakopoulou MP representing domain B2 of Athens; the field of journalism was covered by Sophia Papaioannou, journalist and co-founder of Istorima; Myrto Denaxa represented the field of science, a neuroscientist and a PI at BSRC Alexander Fleming; Maria Hadjioannou represented the military, as sergeant major and military recruiter; from the field of entrepreneurship we welcomed the presence of Efi Koutsoureli; last but not least, Maria Nafpliotou honoured us with her presence, representing the field of arts and theatre. 

Having a holistic approach during the "WeForWomen" campaign, the next project highlights this time the theme of equality and its importance, through art.

"CinEquality" was an open-air cinema, in collaboration with the streaming service "ERTflix" and ERT. It took place on Friday, June 18, in the heart of Athens, at the metallurgical complex,  Piraeus 127, under the auspices of the Municipality Of Athens and the General Secretariat for Demographic and Family Policy and Gender Equality. The documentary series "A day for the whole world" was screened, in particular the episodes of "International Women's Day" (parts A and B), which tell stories of women, regarding gender-based violence and professional empowerment. Before the screening, an open discussion was held on the topic of equality in our country and the role that art can play in tackling inequality. The discussion was attended by Mrs. Zeta Douka, who is a leader in the field of art and contributed significantly to the launch of the #metoo movement in our country. In addition, we were honoured with the presence of Mrs. Nadia Giannakopoulou, MP for the domain B2 of Athens and Vassilis Koutsoumbas, Founder & Executive Director of WeFor. The discussion was moderated by journalist Nikos Efstathiou from Kathimerini.

The initiative that concluded the campaign “WeForWomen” occured on December 4, at the Hellenic Foundation, under the auspices of UNESCO, the Municipality of Athens and the National Chamber Network of Greek Women Entrepreneurs (EEDEGE). Titled “A bridge between and Equality”, the event aimed at exploring the topic of women and culture. Through a timeless perspective, in the presence of distinguished and renowned people and students from the field of Culture, an intergenerational discussion was held about the role that women have and can play in this field in the future, as well as the manifestations that this role assumes in Greece in 2021. The event was attended by the Secretary General of Demographic and Family Policy and Gender Equality, Mrs. Yianna Hormova, Mrs. Sofia Kounenaki-Efraimoglou, Vice President of the Foundation for the Hellenic World and President of EEDEGE. The discussion was also joined by Ms. Matina Goga, Communication and Program Development Coordinator of the Center for Greek Studies at Harvard University in Greece, USEUM programmer and Founder, Fotini Valeonti and actor Maximos Moumouris. Moderator of the discussion was the journalist and presenter Dora Anagnostopoulou. The event ended with a musical performance by Pavlina Voulgaraki.