NEW YORK, NY – [Photos: Public Diplomacy Office of Greece]
A panel discussion featuring five distinguished Greek-American women took place on March 7th at the Consulate General of Greece in New York, marking the International Women’s Day.
The panelists Amanda Loulaki, Nicola Kotsoni, Macrene Alexiades, Eleni Gianopulos and Aspasia (Sissy) Nikolaou presented their inspiring personal stories, their individual achievements and perspectives in the respective areas of excellence, as well as the difficulties they faced in their work roles in male-dominated industries. The debate was moderated by Bloomberg journalist Misyrlena Egkolfopoulou.
Addressing the female audience, Consul General of Greece in New York, Ambassador Dinos Konstantinou, mentioned that we all need to recognize the ongoing challenges faced by women who confront systemic barriers, gender-based disempowerment and even gender-based violence around the world. Yet, despite the odds, women resist, persevere, lead movements, overcome obstacles and inspire change and lead humanity to a future where equality is not just an aspiration but a tangible reality. According to estimates by UN agencies, it will take another 40 years for women to be equally represented with men in national parliaments, Mr. Konstantinou emphasized.
Referring to Plato, who was the first to defend women’s rights by proposing that they share with men all powers and take on all challenges, including military duties, Mr. Konstantinou stressed that men must stand in solidarity with women’s struggles on the difficult path to gender equality.
After the speakers’ presentations on their experiences in their respective areas of excellence, a wide-ranging discussion took place on the challenges facing women in the workplace and beyond, moderated by Misyrlena Egkolfopoulou, followed with great interest and participation from the audience.
