Anna

What does life as a woman or girl look like in your part of the world? What roles do women play in your society?

Life doesn't seem unfair in Greece, but this doesn't mean that women are treated equally with men. Yes, we are able to go out at night and wear what we want, but men judge a woman's appearance and call us "easy" if we wear something shorter than usual. Women don't have leading roles because men think that we are too sensitive to lead because of our menstrual flow which causes us to have "mood swings".

What do you think is the most significant barrier to women empowerment and/or gender equality today?

I think men are scared to admit that power is not muscles but brains. Women have proved throughout centuries that they may not have muscles but they do use their brains, and men see them as a threat, not as an ally. Only when men and women work together the world would be a better place to live in.

OK, tell us all about yourself. Who are YOU & what should the world know about you?

I am a normal 18-year-old girl who lives in Greece. I discovered early in my life the importance of being a feminist and for 5 years I’ve been supporting the equality between men and women in any way I can.

Describe yourself in one word: "I am... brave.

What are you most passionate about and what are you doing with that passion?

I love helping people in need in any way I can. I study as hard as I can so one day I may get the chance to work as an Ambassador for Women's Rights at the United Nations.

What are some of the most notable events (milestones) that have happened in your life to date?

I remember back in Elementary School I wanted to play football with some boys and they all denied to have me there. I insisted and a boy told me; "Girls don't play football, you idiot! Girls do silly stuff like playing with dolls!". Four years later, in Middle School, a girl in my class said that she wanted to work in the Army and some boys laughed at her and said that "girls are weak and wouldn't last a day in the Army". They encouraged my classmate "to do something more feminine" in her life. Last but not least, is something my own uncle said one Sunday afternoon. We were having a conversation about the economy of our country and he said that "one of the worst things that ever happened was when women could get jobs because they spend valuable money on stupid stuff like make-up".

What obstacles have you faced and overcome?

I have heard people disrespect womankind a lot of times and I never let someone keep talking to women like this. I have been in numerous fights, even with my own family so I can prove to them that equality is needed. Just because women here are free like men, this doesn't mean that society sees them as equal to men.

Looking externally into the public sphere, what female public figure inspires you the most to achieve your dreams & why?

I think Emma Watson is the woman who inspires me. She has done amazing stuff for Women's Rights and has flown all around the world to meet other brave women and listen to their stories. She is also an Ambassador at the United Nations and she is the one who inspired me to want to do the same.

What's your definition of success?

I think success comes when you achieve your greatest dream. It doesn't have to be fame or money, just something that makes you happy and proud.

How have the women and girls around you helped you to get to where you are today?

My friends and my mom helped me accept myself and they love me just the way I am. My mom taught me to defend myself with logic and focus on my dreams because as a woman, I'm capable of everything. Today, I stand as a proud woman, ready to support any other woman in need and fight for equality between the two genders.

Complete this sentence: "To be a girl or woman today, is to be..." proud of everything you have achieved so far, grateful for what you have today, and fearless in what comes next.