Greece needs “the resilience and mental sharpness of the Greek women of diaspora”, Katerina Sakellaropoulou said in a message on the occasion of International Women’s Day.
The Greek Community of Melbourne held its IWD commemoration in a social event featuring a lecture on the undercelebrated life of Greek War revolutionary Manto Mavrogenous.
But another strong reminder of this year’s IWD theme, ‘Let’s all choose to challenge’, was the official message by Greece’s first female President delivered at the start of the event.
Ms Sakellaropoulou credited Greek women who migrated to Australia for establishing a hub of Hellenism Down Under.
“You maintained our language and Greek traditions alive[…] You worked hard, while keeping Greece always in your hearts. Your contribution gives us hope and strengthens our country’s standing in the international community, beyond borders,” reads an excerpt of her statement with reflections on the meaning of the commemoration day for women in Greece and abroad and the world as a whole.
Ms Sakellaropoulou’s message came in response to an invitation by GOCMV’s Tammy Iliou, who is also the body’s first female vice-president.
READ MORE: Greek Australian Community calling all women to join