The Herculean effort of Varvara Athanasiou-Ioannou AM and her volunteer Food for Thought Network (FFTN) team to bring together Greek women of the diaspora and Greece culminated in a successful and highly praised inaugural Global ‘Women and Hellenism’ Conference in Ioannina, Greece.
The power of grassroots volunteer work shone through the inaugural conference that ended on Saturday, September 7 after five full days of activities. Delegates, presenters, officials and dignitaries praised Mrs Athanasiou-Ioannou and her team for their hard work and dedication that brought a successful inaugural global conference to life.
Following a successful first day of presentations, the conference continued on the second day with two streams addressing the multifaceted identity of women and the barriers and enablers they face.
The first session of the conference, chaired by Sofia Markoula, Vice Mayor of Ioannina and Assistant Professor of Neurology at the University of Ioannina, commenced with an insightful presentation by Dr Evangelia Markaki, Head of Business School at the University of Derby at Mediterranean College. Along with her co-contributor Dr Virginia Tsoukatou, Dr Markaki explored the gender-biased technological change, delving into the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its potential strategic impacts.
Following this, Dr Konstantina Dounis, an expert on Greek Australian women writers, presented an engaging discussion on the intricate tapestry of Greek Australian women’s writing within the global narrative.
A panel discussion, chaired by Maria Papazoglou, Executive Coach and Career Coach, followed shortly after. The panel featured a diverse range of experts, including Publisher of The Greek Herald, Dimitra Skalkos who addressed the role of the media in promoting Hellenism, and Angela Tomazos, President of HACCI in the Northern Territory, who highlighted the impact of Hellenic women in the Territory. Vasiliki Kaskanakou, CEO of Myrtali Organics, spoke about the rich treasure of aromatic plants in Epirus, while Penny Sahinis shared her insights on women empowerment and leadership, emphasising the importance of mentorship and connection, drawing from her experience supporting Australia’s G20 Sherpa.
In the second session of the conference, chaired by Dorothy Hatzopoulou, Communications Manager of FFTN, speakers explored the complex theme of multifaceted identity, barriers, and enablers. Dr Annette B. Fromm delved into the Greek identity of Jewish women from Ioannina, both in Greece and abroad, while Dr Aspasia Stacey Rabba highlighted the experiences of Greek Australian women, discussing strategies to maintain identity and wellbeing in a constantly evolving world. Theodora Kyriafini and Fotini Lymperiadou, architects and founders of euΖen Architecture, presented on Greek philosophy and ideals in education through the lens of architecture.
The theme ‘Representation of Hellenism Past and Present – Sustainability & Identity,’ was a profound exploration of Greek heritage, culture, and the evolving role of women in history. The first stream, chaired by PR Manager Pericleia Veremis, highlighted the importance of Greek language, traditions and ideals. Author Kalliopi Toufidi shared insights from her books, while Vivian Pagourelias-Vassiliadis echoed the resilience of the Greek spirit with her message, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”
Mrs Athanasiou-Ioannou AM, author and educator, presented Her Voice: Greek Women and Their Friends – an oral history book featuring authentic stories of 42 women and the inspiration behind organising this conference.
The second stream, chaired by Dr Katerina Athanasiou, included contributions from Konstantina Zidrou, PhD Candidate, who discussed the significant role of the Epirotian woman in shaping historical and social development. Dr Kostando Baruta-Ksera explored the figure of the Deropolitissa woman through time, and Dr Maria Athanasiou presented an insightful analysis of lament, poetry, and art in Greece through The Case of Epitaphios.
‘The Hellenism Sustainability’ topic included a powerful exploration of the preservation of Greek identity across multiple facets, including language, philosophy, culture, and tourism. Session 4, chaired by Maria Makris, Vice Chair of FFTN, and Yioula Mitrokosta, President of the Regional Committee for Gender Equality, featured presentations that delved into the sustainability of Hellenism in modern times. Key discussions were held in both Stream A and Stream B, with scholars and community leaders addressing the challenges and opportunities of maintaining Greek language, philosophy, and culture in the face of contemporary global pressures.
Dr Maria Karidakis and Professor Joseph Lo Bianco from Melbourne University examined the possibility of reversing the decline of the Greek language, while Dimitra Asproulia highlighted the contributions of Greek women to ancient philosophy.
Other notable presentations included Professor Nikoletta Tsitsanoudis-Mallidis, who focused on the teaching of Greek during times of crisis, and Chrysa Voulgaridou, who emphasised the role of culture and tourism in preserving Hellenism.
The session ended with Anthea Sidiropoulos’ presentation on the power of music in maintaining Greek heritage, and Esta Paschalidis Chilas, President of the Federation of Pontian Associations of Australia, highlighting grassroots leadership as a model for the sustainability of Hellenism.
The conference concluded on a high note with a singalong and dance. Anthea Sidiropoulos, Singer and VP of the Greek Community of Melbourne and Victoria, performed a song inspired by Mrs Athanasiou-Ioannou and titled “I Am a Woman.”
Mrs Athanasiou-Ioannou was also honoured with great emotion by Mrs Kokoli, who presented her with an olive branch as a symbol of peace, honour, and gratitude for her initiative to unite diaspora Greek women with women in Greece.
The conference concluded with a memorable Gala Dinner at Omilos Restaurant, set by the picturesque lake of Ioannina. The evening was highlighted by exquisite cuisine, lively music, and spirited dancing, all in the esteemed presence of Ioannina’s Mayor, Thomas Begkas. Guests enjoyed traditional songs from Epirus, and the festive atmosphere ensured a night to remember, marking the official close of the event with lasting impressions.
As the official proceedings ended, delegates enjoyed two additional days of cultural exploration, including visits to Ioannina’s old town, Zagorohoria, Acherontas River, and Paramythia town, invited by the mayor of Souli, Dr Athanasios Danis to get a first glimpse of the museum dedicated to the renowned jeweler Bulgari, set to open next year.
In the village of Asprangeloi, the group was welcomed by the Mayor of Zagori, Mr. Georgios Soukavelos, who offered drinks and sweets to all. The day ended with the recitation of a poem by Anna Bithoutsis, daughter of the late Grigoris Bithikotsis, and songs by Sotiris Dogkanos.
On the final evening, attendees dined at one of the best restaurants in Parga, MED CLUB, with a panoramic view of the castle and Valtos Beach. The Mayor of Parga, Nikolaos Zacharias, welcomed everyone with gifts of olive products.
“It is a great pleasure for me that you are all here today. This symbolic gift holds great value for us. Before the population began in Parga, the residents were engaged with the Venetian olive groves, and with the olive oil, they raised families, educated their children, and built homes. Olive oil is a fundamental source for the local economy, and this gift symbolises great wealth for us,” Mr Zacharias said.
The successful meeting of the Greek diaspora who gathered from around the globe for this historic conference, certainly provided invaluable insights and Food for Thought for the future.
The image of women from the diaspora was greatly enhanced throughout the event. Everyone kept asking Mrs Athanasiou-Ioannou where she found such incredible, professional, and beautiful women, showcasing a different and elevated image of the remarkable women of the diaspora.
All participants expressed their admiration and gratitude for the conference.
Chicago Judge Peggy Chiampas captured the spirit of the event with her testimonial: “Words cannot express how proud and honoured I feel to have attended the Inaugural Conference on Women and Hellenism in beautiful Ioannina. The ambitious agenda covered every aspect and spectrum of issues that concern us all, both in Greece and in the diaspora! We are and will continue to strengthen this incredible relationship we have established in the past few days.”
Mrs Athanasiou-Ioannou thanked all the sponsors, volunteers, media, and everyone who contributed to the unprecedented success of the conference. Gifts were then presented to the sponsors from Australia: AHEPA, PRONIA, Dr. Vivianne Nikou, Georgia Wright, and to the FFTN Board members who travelled to Greece: Ms Makri (Vice President), Maria Maikousi, Christina Roma, Perikleia Veremi for their crucial behind-the-scenes support, and Ms Hatzopoulou, who was her right hand in communication and planning.
“I would like to express my deep gratitude for your significant contribution behind the scenes. Your dedication, hard work, and support are the cornerstones of our success. Thanks to you, we were able to achieve great things and make a positive impact on our community,” Mrs Athanasiou-Ioannou said in her thank-you speech.
On the final day, Judge Chiampas and Judge Pamela Stratigakis were invited with Mrs Athanasiou-Ioannou to meet the Governor of Epirus Alexandros Kahrimanis, who pledged the Region’s support for the organisation of the next conference.
“It is clear that the conference left an indelible mark on the souls of those who attended, bridging together Greek women from around the world with a common vision and values,” Mrs Athanasiou-Ioannou said.
With the promise of more substantial support from the region and the municipality, Mrs Athanasiou-Ioannou announced that the next conference will take place in Ioannina in 2026, celebrating simultaneously the 25th anniversary of Food for Thought Network for Greek Australian Women.
