Dedicated to the women of the diaspora who keep alive the Greek spirit was the event entitled "Greek women of the world" held at the Archaeological Museum of Patras, on the afternoon of Tuesday, March 28.

It was an evening that honored the "Greek women of the world who pioneer and are active in many different fields, such as science, politics and education".

In the framework of the event, organized by the Hellenic National Committee for UNESCO and the Region of Western Greece and which was placed under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Hellenism Abroad and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, six "Greek women of the world" who have left strong footprint in Greece and abroad, with their rich work and are an example for everyone to follow.

Specifically, during the event, the following received an award:

• Mrs. Ioanna Zaharaki, President of the Network of Electors of Europe and deputy mayor of Solingen, who is active in Germany.

• Mrs. Aikaterini Sofianou – Balefanti, President of the SofMedica Group of Companies, Egyptian Mistress of the Churches and Ambassador of Hellenism Abroad, who is active mainly in Egypt and Romania.

• Mrs. Marina Tsihlaki, Mistress of the Churches of the Patriarchate of Alexandria and President of the Ecclesiastical Council, who is active in Mozambique.

At the same time, the other three honored Greek women of the evening connected online and addressed greetings:

• Mrs Vaso Apostolopoulou, Professor of Immunology and Vice President of the Research Department of the University of Victoria from Australia.

• Mrs. Stella Kokoli, President of the American Federation of Greek Teachers, from the USA.

• Mrs. Christina Tsardikou, distinguished doctor-surgeon and non-profit cultural organization "NOSTOS" in Argentina.

The opening of the event was announced by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, responsible for Hellenism Abroad, Andreas Kastaniotis and the Secretary General of Hellenism Abroad & Public Diplomacy, Yiannis Chrysoulakis. Mrs. Aikaterini Tzitzikosta, president of the Greek National Committee for UNESCO, referred to the Greek women of all Hellenism, who are living examples of contribution, in the fields of culture, education, science and entrepreneurship. At the same time, she added that "they are fighting to prove to us that career and family can co-exist, but also that obstacles can be overcome, when one works with stubbornness and dedication in search of new forms of creation, contribution and action". As Mrs. Tzitzikosta noted, "their example illuminates the path of change" and is an inspiration for a new generation of women, as "they make us proud and fill us with optimism for the future."

Greetings were also addressed by the Regional Governor of Western Greece, Nektarios Farmakis, the Rector of the University of Patras, Christos Bouras and the Venerable Metropolitan of Zambia, Ioannis.

In addition, Mr. Eugenia Arvaniti, associate professor of the University of Patras, Eleni Geka, economist - educator and president of the Soroptimistic Group of Patras and Georgia Petropoulos, director of the French Institute of Patras.

The General Secretary of Hellenism Abroad and Public Diplomacy, Yannis Chrysoulakis, stated that the aim of the event was to highlight the power that Hellenism has around the world, and especially Greek women.

Sources:

• https://www.cnn.gr/ellada/story/356096/afieromeni-stis-gynaikes-tis-diasporas-i-ekdilosi-ellinides-tou-kosmou
• https://www.patrasevents.gr/article/631253-o-sillogos-kalon-texnon-patras-to-kentro-politismou-olibismou-timisan-tis-ellinides-tou-kosmou
• https://pelop.gr/katsaniotis-labres-ellinides-tou-kosmou-sas-efcharistoume-therma/

Six Greek fiber artists who create art with needles and looms Signing of a Memorandum for the recording of the oral history of the Greeks of Australia