Anna Karamanu: The “Peaceful Uprising of Female Sapiens”

The former member of the European Parliament, with a rich political presence in the top bodies of the EU and in the fight for gender equality, speaks to AMARYSIA about her book “The Peaceful Uprising of Female Sapiens 1821-2021” (published by Armos).
Anna Karamanou is not a stranger to us. She participated as a national expert in two gender equality policy networks of the European Commission. She was a member of the European Parliament (1997-2004) and was elected to the presidency of the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament (PES), as well as serving as the chair of the FEMM Committee of the European Parliament. In 1999, she received the İpekçi Prize for her contribution to Greek-Turkish rapprochement. She is a member of the Hellenic Political Science Association, the Association of Greek Women Scientists, and the Political Association of Women. Anna Karamanou previously studied at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, earning a degree in Greek and English Philology, a master’s degree in European and International Studies, and a Ph.D. in Political Science and Public Administration. She also worked for 23 years at the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) and served as the General Secretary of the OME-OTE.
Recently, her book “The Peaceful Uprising of Female SAPIENS 1821-2021” was released, which constitutes a fascinating historical journey starting from the Revolution of 1821 and culminating in the pandemic and the #MeToo movement of 2021. This revealing book highlights the often-silenced feminist struggles and the significant contributions of female Sapiens in the expansion and institutional foundation of the modern Greek state, from Ioannis Kapodistrias, King Otto, Charilaos Trikoupis, and Eleftherios Venizelos to the contemporary European era. It offers abundant material for pride and tears, for reflection and self-awareness. This work details major historical events, the role of political and military leadership, triumphs and national tragedies, the role of women, and the ideas that shaped modern Greece. Through Anna Karamanou’s writing, we witness the peaceful uprising of women who, waving the banner of universal values, claim their fundamental human rights and gender justice.
On the occasion of the release of this original and highly interesting book, published by Armos Editions, we had an engaging conversation with her.
INTERVIEW WITH AGGELOS POLYDOROS
Mrs. Karamanou, what motivated you to write about the actions of women from the Greek Revolution to the #MeToo movement?
In writing my book, I was motivated by the fact that women’s struggles for human rights and dignity are missing from the history of the 200 years since the Revolution of 1821. Historians and politicians have not honored the voluntary participation of women in the armed uprising as they deserved, and they have silenced the peaceful uprising of female Sapiens for equality of rights and obligations. My aim is to highlight and integrate the overlooked feminist struggles into the narrative where they belong, that is, in the modern history of Greece. My book aims to fill a gap by providing a comprehensive political narrative of historical events that intertwine both with the actions of women in the liberation struggle and their subsequent participation in all national battles, their contribution to the institutional building of the modern Greek state, and the fight for the eradication of inequalities, discrimination, injustice, and violence against women. The #MeToo movement has encapsulated 200 years of struggles and inaugurated a new era!

Because the struggles of women are not detached from major historical events, do you believe that the #MeToo movement, in itself, constitutes a historical event that will lead to greater activism among women, or will it be remembered in the future as a temporary communicative action?
The #MeToo movement arrived late in Greece, but it is the best thing that has happened for strengthening the fight against violence, the devaluation of women, and the social construction of male superiority. It has liberated voices, reduced fear, and revealed hidden secrets, breaking down patriarchal admonitions like “what happens in the home should not be spoken of in public” and “don’t tell even the priest.” Certainly, this is not something transient. It has come to stay and to reinforce feminist struggles for full and meaningful equality between male and female Sapiens.
In this regard, Greece tragically lags behind, ranking last among EU countries. The worst indicator concerns the power gap between genders (see my book for an analysis of the 2019 elections, pages 351-357). This unequal and unjust distribution of responsibilities and obligations between genders in the public and private spheres is the root cause of violence against women and all other inequalities. Therefore, it must be eliminated as soon as possible. The mobilization of women themselves, solidarity, and the awareness of civil society are essential. However, the greatest responsibility lies with the political system.
With all the shocking revelations we see and hear lately in the media about men’s behavior towards women, I worry that patriarchal attitudes may be deeply rooted in our DNA. of the Greek. I would like your comment on this.
The struggle for gender equality in our country is particularly difficult because we live under a regime of harsh patriarchy and the survival of countless anachronisms, superstitions, negative symbolism, double standards, and Ottoman remnants. The role of the organized Church has always been negative towards the claims for rights and justice for the sexes, contrary to the Christian teachings themselves. With the exception of a few enlightened hierarchs amidst a multitude of fanatics, the Church refuses democratic dialogue on issues that blatantly violate the principle of gender equality and emit negative symbolism that perpetuates inequalities, such as the ban on women in Mount Athos and the exclusion of women from ecclesiastical schools and the priesthood.
In a newspaper that presented your book, I caught sight of the statement that “this book is particularly addressed to women, especially the younger generation.” I would like you to summarize the reasons for this reference.
I believe it is important for young women to know our history and how, within specific historical and political conditions, the struggles of a few educated women (primarily teachers) paved the way and defined our lives. I would like young women to be inspired by the example of the bold women of the 19th century, who initiated the fight for fundamental rights, starting with education and paid work, under the harsh conditions of patriarchy and women’s subjugation. Additionally, I hope that young scientists will further research and highlight all aspects of the struggle and the silenced contribution of the feminist movement to the modernization, culture, democracy, moral development, and progress of Greece.