Her Voice
Meet the Greek Women Breaking the Cultural Glass Ceiling
A ground-breaking collection of personal stories from Greek women and their friends is published and available now. Her Voice, Greek Women and Their Friends, brings together the voices of over 40 women who bravely detail the difficulties and triumphs they have met in living and succeeding in different worlds. Her Voice will be launched on Sunday12 December 2021 at 3.00pm at Andrianakos Centre, Alphington Grammar School.
Her Voice, features stories from women from all walks of life and fields, including, artists, academics, educators, entrepreneurs, councillors, journalists, lawyers, scientists, politicians and public servants.
Author Varvara Athanasiou-Ioannou said: “This collection of stories from relatable role models, strength and resilience will inspire many generations of future Greek women and their friends to come.
Life for many of these women has not been easy; starting over in a new country, or born here to migrant parents, with heightened expectations, experiencing bullying, racism and disengaged partners just to name a few. At points, some lost their way – and their voice. I was inspired to help them find it.’
Joy Damousi, FASSA, Professor and Director of the Institute for Humanities and Social Sciences at Australian Catholic University, said: “I’m incredibly proud to be a part of Her Voice and to write the foreword. The stories of professional Greek women and their friends are an undocumented narrative. The inspiring storytellers have illustrated to future generations of Greek women and their friends how to overcome the struggles they faced both in and out of the home. We hope to inspire women facing barriers of their own.”
Bill Papastergiadis, President of The Greek Community and Victorian Multicultural Commissioner said: “This monumental book, is a gift not only to Greek women but to multicultural Australia, a historical reference point for future generations …it should be read by all men and women. I congratulate trailblazer Varvara for her unwavering lifetime commitment to women, diversity and inclusion. “
Her Voice arose from the Food For Thought Network. Founded 20 years ago in Melbourne, the network began as group for Greek Australian women, but in the years to follow women from other backgrounds joined together to extend its reach and community impact.
Her Voice is published by Kerr publications.
Notes to Editors:
Women Featured in the Book
The women featured in this book were selected with a diversity lens in mind, featuring as much intersectionality of age, class, marital status, sexuality, faith, disability and race representing different professional and business backgrounds.
Anastasia Salamastrakis, Anthoula Parakeva, Betty Alexopoulos, Dr Despina Anastasiou, Dilnaz Billimoria, Prof. Eddie Blass, Evy Papadopoulos, Georgia Prattis, Hana Assafiri OAM, Helen Kalimniou, Helen Kapalos, Hon Jenny Mikakos, Justine Stavris, Kia Antoniadis, Koraly Dimitriadis, Kris Pavlidis, Senator Lidia Thorpe, Assoc. Prof. Lisa Sarmas, Assoc. Prof. Liz Branigan, Maria Dimopoulos AM, Dr Maria Karidakis, Maria McCormack, Maria Toscas, Hon Maria Vamvakinou, Martha Kourtidou, Prof. Mary Kalantzis, Michelle Kleinert, Hon, Nola Karapanagiotidis, Sheryl Furman, Sima Aroyan, Sophy Galbally, Stathia Anatoliti, Stella Grammenos Dimadis, Stella Shiamaris, Dr Teresa De Fazio, OAM, Tina Douvos – Stathopoulos, Varvara Athanasiou-Ioannou, Prof. Vasso Apostolopoulos, Vivian Pagourelias, Dr Vivianne Nikou, Vivienne Nguyen AM, Wesa Chau.
About the Author
Varvara Athanasiou-Ioannou is a Greek migrant and the recipient of a number of awards for her contributions to education, women and community. She has devoted her life to sharing her story, her professional knowledge, experience and networks in the hope of helping and inspiring other women to overcome adversity despite all odds. She founded the Food For Thought Network (FFTN) 20 years ago to bring together and advance other women.
Media Contact:
For inquiries, to receive a review copy and for interviews: info@fftn.org.au, 0403034527
The book is published and available. Orders – info@fftn.org.au or through the Qr Code
An eBook is also available.
Launch bookings essential https://www.trybooking.com/BTATL