Remembering Eleni Skoura, Greece’s first female Member of Parliament

·

On January 18, 1953, Eleni Skoura, a lawyer from Volos is elected as the first female member of the Greek Parliament.

Born Eleni Papachristou in Volos in 1896, Skoura finished high school in Thessaly city before settling in Thessaloniki in 1915. She studied vocals and later married lawyer, Dimitrios Skouras.

Skoura was active during the Greek-Italian war and the Occupation as President of volunteer organizations.

In the summer of 1942, she was arrested by the Germans and imprisoned along with her husband and her brother Apostolos Papachristou.

She assumed an active role in politics after the enactment of the women’s right to vote in 1951.

Alexandros Papagos nominated her as a candidate of his party for the Prefecture of Thessaloniki at the 1953 general elections. She was elected and remained a member of Parliament until 1956.

After the election results were officially announced, Skoura made the following statement:

“I am deeply touched by this victory, achieved after a hard fight. My thoughts remain focused with great gratitude to Army General Papagos and my colleagues…I know that as the first and only woman in the House I have a great responsibility and many duties. We have a lot to do for Greek women.”

She had a successful contribution to social and women’s issues.

The state honored her with the Military Medal for Extraordinary Accomplishments and the Order of Beneficence.

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Prosecutors allegedly link Perry Kouroumblis to Easey St murders with DNA evidence

Prosecutors in Melbourne’s Easey Street murder case allege that DNA found is “highly likely” to have come from Perry Kouroumblis.

Mitsotakis unveils ‘Ark of National Memory’ as Greece embarks on €28 billion defence modernisation

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis unveiled the new bioclimatic facade of the Ministry of National Defence on Wednesday night.

Mark Coure MP extends Oxi Day message to Greek and Cypriot communities

NSW Shadow Minister Mark Coure MP honours Oxi Day, praising the Greek and Cypriot communities for their courage and contribution to NSW.

Oakleigh Grammar farewells the Class of 2025 with Graduation Dinner

Oakleigh Grammar’s Class of 2025 gathered for a night of celebration, reflection, and recognition at their Year 12 Graduation Dinner.

Saint Dimitrios Parish in Moonee Ponds marks 50 years with joyful festival

The annual Saint Demetrios Parish Festival in Moonee Ponds brought together parishioners, dignitaries, and performers on Sunday, October 26.

You May Also Like

Greece says US elections will not affect ties with Washington

Greek PM Mitsotakis asserted that regardless of the outcome of the election, Greece and USA will continue to share a strategic relationship.

Leaders of over 50 multicultural communities gather with Federal MP to plan vaccine rollout

A major roundtable was held yesterday involving more than 50 community leaders to discuss how they can partner together in supporting the COVID-19 vaccination rollout in Australia.

Greek government faces confidence vote after botched blizzard response

Greece’s main opposition SYRIZA leader, Alexis Tsipras, has filed a motion of no confidence in the government.