The Greek Orthodox Community of Whittlesea commemorated International Women’s Day with a special event on Saturday, honouring the resilience, contributions, and enduring struggles of Greek Australian women.
Held in the wake of International Women’s Day on 8 March, the event celebrated women across generations, providing a platform for shared stories, cultural expression, and reflection on the ongoing pursuit of gender equality.
Renowned violinist Katerina Stevens captivated attendees with performances of Nisiotika, classic, and Rebetika music, setting a tone of both celebration and remembrance.
However, the evening’s most powerful moments came from the first-generation Greek migrant women, who spoke candidly about their experiences settling in Australia—recounting the hardships, sacrifices, and determination that defined their journey.
“It was heartening and humbling for us all, to hear from the first generation of migrant Hellenic women who shared their stories with laughter and emotion as they recounted their many years in what was their new homeland, Australia. There’s no doubt that the women of our mother’s generation are women who can stand tall because of their strength and courage despite adversity. Women with unfulfilled ambitions and at times disillusioned realities, who give it their best for the sake of their family and children’s wellbeing,” event organisers told Neos Kosmos.
“These IWD events offer an important opportunity to hear their voices, and to celebrate the resilience & hope thru the smiles they carry, inspiring us to continue the good fight, for our mums and daughters. It is also a time to reflect on the need for further societal progress to make life better for women and migrant working women in particular,” Kris Pavlidis added.
The event also served as a reminder of the broader struggles for women’s rights, drawing historical parallels between early 20th-century protests for fair working conditions and the challenges faced by Greek migrant women in Australia, many of whom worked in unregulated factory and piecework employment. Discussions highlighted ongoing gender inequalities, including the gender pay gap—where women earn 78 per cent of men’s wages on average—and the stark reality of family violence, with 101 women losing their lives in Australia last year.
Second-generation Greek Australian women also shared their experiences, reflecting on both progress and persistent barriers.
Professor Vasso Apostolopoulos and Simela Stamatopoulos spoke about discrimination in the workplace and broader community, underscoring the need for continued advocacy.
Pavlidis, recalling her election as mayor, reflected on the dismissive attitudes and disillusionment she encountered: “During a formal debate, a younger male colleague remarked, ‘Just smile at her, and you’ll be okay’.”
