Varvara Athanasiou Ioannou joined Charis Mullen MP for Jordan and Katerini Manolatos, vocalist and music therapist in a celebration of International Women’s Day on the 18th of March 2022 at the Greek Club in Brisbane. The event was organised by the Greek Community of St George.

The panel entitled “Her Voice – Greek Women and their friends” was a lively exchange of views from the participants of their early childhood memories, the expectations of their parents for them as women growing up in Australia and the way they entered their profession and managed all the joys but also the challenges of womanhood which were thrown their way.

Varvara Athanasiou Ioannou talked about her happy and large family in Greece, migrating to Australia and not knowing any English. Gradually but surely working her way through school and university to play leading roles in Victorian education before changing her career to HR, and to the moment on the Gold Coast when, with her life in turmoil, because of a toxic relationship at work, she decided to start the Food for Thought Network – a supportive network for women you can find more information about it here www.fftn.org.au

This was the springboard for the book. Over four years she collected the stories of Greek women and their friends in a wonderful volume of relatable role models for others and with messages of hope and encouragement from all the women in this original book.

Charis Mullen, born is Greece also came to Australia not knowing a word of English. Her mother realised that in Greece she would not be afforded the best education. Her Yiayia was instrumental in pushing her and encouraging her to achieve, a proud and wonderful Greek woman who had not been able to be educated in her own life. She encouraged her granddaughter in every way she could. Charis became involved in the Labor Party and worked tirelessly for others and their campaigns until her husband asked her when she was going to put her hand up. She did, and became an MP for Jordan in 2017 and is now Assistant Shadow Minister for the Treasury. Her message is that many women are very demanding of themselves, sometimes it is important to take opportunities that arise and learn on the job.

Katerini Manloatos was born in Australia to a big and happy family. Her family was always musical but following such a course was not without its critics – however she sang for the community at the age of 15 and thereafter all her family were firmly supportive and helped her go to university where her eyes were opened to all kinds of music and its theory followed by her Course in Music Therapy. She is passionate about Greek Music and has started Ellinikes Fones choir in Brisbane recently.

The women engaged the audience with stories of their own challenges. They encouraged women to use their voice, to no longer remain silent and awkward in situations which compromised their womanhood. To take opportunities presented to them and to share their stories with others to form bonds of friendship and support which women can rely on to gain support and encouragement.