8 Women Discuss: Patriarchy, Sexism, and Gender-Based Violence in Greek Society

Wednesday, November 25th 2020

What does it mean to be women and femininities in Greece today? How does the patriarchy harm our lives? How do we experience sexism and gender stereotypes? The daily lives, experiences, and thoughts of eight women are revealed in a discussion that seeks to facilitate deep cultural change.

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From the phenomenal movement in Poland against a ban on abortion, to the massive protests against femicide in Latin America, to the global #MeToo movement, women and femininities around the world are fighting for a life free from violence, fear, and oppression. The same is true in Greece, where instances of gender-based violence are anything but in decline. Gender stereotypes, sexism, toxic masculinities, rape culture, and victim blaming must all be contended with on a daily basis due to their pervasive normalization, because they are condoned – by society and its institutions, and by the media. This time, however, women will be speaking openly about everything society finds hard to hear.

In the wake of the crimes against Eleni Topaloudi, Suzanne Eaton, and Zackie Oh (Zak Kostopoulos), and on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, Onassis Stegi is inviting eight women with diverse backgrounds and knowledge to discuss their experiences as femininities. The participants share their experiences of everyday sexism, and speak about the gender stereotypes with which they were raised and which they continue to face in their personal and professional lives. They recall incidents of gender-based violence that they themselves have faced and also touch upon the impact that such abuse continues to have on the collective consciousness, with a particular emphasis on institutional responses that often compound the trauma suffered by victims of gender-based violence.

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"We need to start imagining a world where men behave differently. A world where women aren’t constantly taking responsibility for men’s actions."

- Valia Tsirigoti, Sociologist – Psychotherapist

The participants deal with the collective trauma of gender-based violence, which also emerges through a societally pervasive culture of condoning such behavior. The discussion highlights the unbearable burdens inflicted by victim blaming and rape culture, both of which are characteristic of Greek society. By appealing to their personal experiences, and to the gender-based violence that (im)mobilizes them to varying degrees, they work through how best to respond, bracing themselves and establishing communities for support and solidarity in order to break the cycle of violence, do away with shame, and feel less alone.

With:
Eve Kaiserli: Trans woman, sex-worker
Natassa Kefallinou: Communications Manager, Diotima Centre
Gianna Kouka: Public servant
Eftychia Leontidou: Obstetrician – gynecologist, with a doctorate from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
Maria Louka: Journalist and screenwriter
Clio Papapantoleon: Lawyer
Valia Tsirigoti: Sociologist and psychotherapist

Discussion chaired by:
Stevi Kitsou: Lawyer, Hellenic League for Human Rights

The SOS 15900 Helpline

The SOS 15900 Helpline is here to help any woman who might need it – be they victims of abuse, or anyone else who requires immediate access to a service set up to tackle gendered violence. The helpline’s team of psychologists and social workers can provide immediate assistance in emergency situations involving acts of violence, 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. Women can also contact the service by email: sos15900@isotita.gr.