Honored individuals Anna Karamanou and women healthcare workers (photos & video)

A unique personality and a fierce advocate for gender equality was awarded yesterday afternoon at the “Apollo” theater, as part of the International Women’s Day celebration, organized consistently in recent years by the Cultural Association of Ano Syros, led by its president, Babis Koulouras, along with the South Aegean Region.

This was none other than Dr. Anna Karamanou, a political science scholar and author (the award was presented to her by Christina Ligopsyhaki, the president of the Greek Women’s Lyceum), who is well-known for her love for Syros. She is a member of the Cultural Association of Chroussa, where she spends her summer holidays without interruption.

In her presentation, Ms. Karamanou provided an extensive and informative overview of the trajectory and establishment of the multifaceted role of women over the past 200 years, from the time of the Greek Revolution of 1821 to the present day. She emphasized the achievements women have made in a short period to solidify their position in the male-dominated sphere of power, highlighting the tremendous losses and sacrifices they have endured. Nevertheless, she asserted that this struggle must remain a priority if the course of humanity is to change.

In the presence of the Metropolitan of Syros, Mr. Dorotheos II, the Prosecutor of Appeals, Mr. Odysseas Tsorbatzoglou, and with the support of other associations, such as the president of the Lyceum of Greek Women, Christina Ligopsyhaki, the president of the Association of Minor Asians of Ermoupolis, Irini Chardalia, the president of the Women’s Nautical Association of Syros “Anchor,” Frangiska Miliou, the Cultural Association of Chroussos, and the president of the Employees Association of Syros Hospital, Katerina Kalogeraki, who all delivered brief greetings, women healthcare professionals—doctors and nurses—were also honored for their significant contributions to society, particularly during the pandemic. The honors were awarded to Maria Tzortzi, a pathologist at the General Hospital of Syros, who was recognized by the mayor, Nikos Leivadaris, and to Eleni Altouva, the Director of Nursing Services at the General Hospital of Syros, who was awarded by the Cyclades Regional Governor, Giorgos Leontaritis.

The event concluded with an artistic program curated by the tireless host, Babis Koulouras, featuring musicians from the Cyclades Orchestra, the Kavafis Group, as well as Maria Kousoulakou and Rena Vergou on vocals.

You will find a more comprehensive report in the upcoming issue of “L”.