To mark International Women’s Day, the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family organized a particularly significant event on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, dedicated to women’s economic independence, highlighting its role as a key driver of growth, social well-being, and the promotion of diversity and inclusion.
The event took place in the “Hermes” Hall of the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry and aimed to highlight, from multiple perspectives, what women’s economic independence means in practice. The discussion focused on women’s participation in entrepreneurship, management, and decision-making, as well as their presence in demanding frontline professional fields and highly specialized sectors, such as science, research, medicine, and law.
The event focused on the need to create a social and professional environment where women can thrive without barriers, exclusion, or stereotypes, thereby fostering a more just, inclusive, and equitable society.
Government support for women’s empowerment
In her opening remarks, Minister of Social Cohesion and Family Domna Michaelidou emphasized that women’s economic independence is a fundamental prerequisite for true equality and social progress. As she noted, strengthening women’s position in the labor market and the economy remains a steadfast priority for the Ministry.
The Minister noted that the Ministry systematically supports women’s empowerment through a range of policies and initiatives aimed at eliminating inequalities, strengthening women’s participation in the economy, and creating career advancement opportunities for all. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy that promotes diversity, equality, and inclusion in society and the workplace.
Greetings were also extended by the Deputy Minister of Social Cohesion and Family, responsible for Equality and Human Rights, Elena Rapti, as well as the First Vice President of the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sofia Kounenaki -Efraimoglou, who spoke about the importance of women’s equal participation in the economy and public life.
Exhibition on the History of the Women’s Movement
As guests arrived, an exhibition of historical archives documenting the struggles of the women’s movement was presented by the Ministry’s Library of Equality and Gender. The exhibition highlighted key milestones in the historical journey of women in Greece, through artifacts, archival materials, and testimonies that showcase women’s struggles and achievements over time.
First thematic panel: Women in the economy and entrepreneurship
The first panel discussion focused on the importance of women’s economic independence as a key factor in development and social well-being, with particular emphasis on women’s participation in entrepreneurship, financing, management, and decision-making.
The discussion featured the participation of:
- Giovanna Kampouri Monna, Chairwoman and Board Member in the U.S. and Europe
- Christina Chalkiadaki, CEO of Chalkiadakis S.A.
- Vasiliki Lazarakou, Chair of the Hellenic Capital Market Commission
- Antigone Lyberopoulou, Managing Director of the Hellenic Development Bank
- Mika Ioannidou, Lawyer and Head of the Greek Delegation of the European Women’s Lobby
The participants highlighted the importance of increasing the presence of women in leadership positions, as well as the need to create conditions that allow for equal access to financing, entrepreneurship, and decision-making bodies.
Second panel discussion: Women in demanding frontline professions
The second panel discussion focused on the career paths of women working in demanding and often male-dominated professions, highlighting the challenges they face as well as the importance of perseverance, self-confidence, and the visibility of women in such professional settings.
The panel included:
- Konstantia Dimoglidou, Press Officer for the Hellenic Police
- Nasia Gouvero, an EKAΒ paramedic in the Motorcycle Unit
- Ekaterini Kalimagina, a driver with the DI.AS. Unit
- Alexia Giatzoglou, forklift operator for the Municipality of Halandri
- Katerina Synodinou, Metro train operator
The participants shared personal experiences from their professional careers, emphasizing that the presence of women in such settings is an important step toward breaking down stereotypes and promoting equality.
Third thematic panel: Women in science, research, and creativity
The third thematic panel highlighted the strong presence of women in highly specialized and responsible fields such as science, research, medicine, law, and culture.
The discussion featured the participation of:
- Maria Chatzigianni, Director – Human Geographer and Member of the Board of WIFT GR
- Maria Sotiropoulou, MD, MSc, PhD, Surgeon at Evangelismos General Hospital of Athens
- Mika Ioannidou, Lawyer and Head of the Greek Delegation of the European Women’s Lobby
- Themis Alissafi, Ambassador of the European Research Council and Assistant Professor at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
- Evangelia Maragkoudaki, Obstetrician–Gynecologist Surgeon, MD, PhD
Coordination and presentation
The discussion across all three thematic panels was moderated by journalist Alexandra Kaymenou, who guided the conversation by highlighting the experiences and perspectives of the participants.
The event highlighted that women’s economic independence is not only a matter of equality, but also a fundamental prerequisite for an economy with greater opportunities, a society with stronger cohesion, and a country that fully harnesses the potential of all its people. Through the diversity of experiences, professions, and career paths presented, it was reaffirmed that strengthening women’s presence in every sector is a key pillar of a truly inclusive society.
