AGAPI Care commemorated International Women’s Day on March 6, 2025, with a dinner held at Normanby Manor.
The event was graced by numerous esteemed guests from our community, including His Grace Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne, Rev Father Leonidas Ioannou – Presentation of our Lord Coburg, Rev Father Konstantinos Apostolelis – St Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church Fawkner, The Consul-General of Greece in Melbourne – Ms Dimitra Georgantzoglou, The Mayor Merri-Bek City Council – Councillor Helen Davidson, The Deputy Mayor of Darebin City Council – Councillor Emily Dimitriadis, Merri Bek City Council Councillor Kathrine Theodosis, Victoria Police Inspector Andrew Markakis APM, Victoria Police Inspector Efti Anastasiadis, President of Victorian Communities & Parishes of Holy Archdiocese – Mr Tony Tsourdalakis, President of Pronia Ms Elpis Korosidis and Chief Executive Officer of Pronia Ms Sylvia Hadjiantoniou.
The event showcased numerous guest speakers who shared their insights on International Women’s Day, along with personal stories and their contributions to advancing progress.
The event commenced with AGAPI Care’s Chief Operating Officer Mrs Ange Pilipasidis. In her speech Mrs Pilipasidis mentioned historical female figures who made a significant impact in their respective fields, stating that women always held power, even if its has not been acknowledged. Mrs Pilipasidis talked about the importance of educating everyone and creating environments that foster and nurture this power, allowing women to thrive and lead in all aspects of life.
The President of AGAPI Care Mr Arthur Evriniadis, shared a personal story about his family, expressing pride in the Hellenic tradition of respecting women, cherishing our mothers, and honoring our wives. Mr Evriniadis addressed the challenges faced by women globally, and the support needed to overcome these challenges and emphasised that chivalry should not be seen as diminishing women; rather, it is a way to show respect towards them.
AGAPI Care’s Chief Executive Officer Ms Mary Gakopoulos emphasised the importance of recognising women’s skills, resources, and potential. As a female CEO, Ms Gakopoulos commits to breaking stereotypes and highlights the diverse roles women play in society. Ms Gakopoulos acknowledged the support she received from mentors throughout her career and stressed the impact of mentorship on women’s empowerment. In her speech, Ms Gakopoulos called for women to use their power to empower others, celebrate their strengths, and strive for gender equality.
Renowned Professor of Immunology at RMIT University Australia, Professor Vasso Apostolopoulos,
gave a very inspiring speech about how women are often overlooked for certain professional positions and shared her personal journey through motherhood, how taking a year off at the height of her career to focus on parenting affected her professional path, compelling her to rebuild from the ground up. In contrast, male colleagues who took similar breaks did not encounter the same challenges. Additionally, Professor Apostolopoulos pointed out that, throughout her career, she often faced negative remarks from other women rather than men.
The evening progressed with a delightful variety of activities and games organised by the Chief Operating Officer of AGAPI Care, Mrs Ange Pilipasidis.
Rev. Father Konstantinos Apostollelis gave a greeting speech on behalf of His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Chora, urging everyone to reflect on their calling, to build a word where laughter is greater than a
difference, where service is greater than self interest, and where every human life is treated with dignity and respect.
Ms Varvara Athanasiou – Ioannou AM presented statistics and remarks about International Women’s Day and talked about her work as an Educator and Recruiter and how she has accelerated change by supporting women, trough The Food for Thought Network. Ms Varvara Athanasiou – Ioannou AM highlighted the importance of supporting the people who drive change and encouraged women to support women, men to support women in their lives, parents to be careful of the messages they give to their kids and managers have engage in conversations with their employees about discrimination.
Clinical Psychologist and AGAPI Care’s Treasurer Mr Alex Panagiotopoulos, also gave an inspiring speech on women in psychology and other male dominated industries and how many women avoid those career paths because they are intimidated or fear they won’t progress, and highlighted that men have to play a role in changing that narrative. Mr Panagiotopoulos asked everyone to celebrate what women bring to the table, not only in leadership roles but in the community in general. A very interesting part of Mr Panagiotopoulos speech, was when he spoke about the issues faced by women and the psychological approach changes based on the age of a female.
Inspector Efti Anastasiadis from Victoria Police stated that this day is a celebration of the remarkable contribution and strength of women, a day of reflection, gratitude and action. Inspector Anastasiadis reflected on the many women who have impacted his life and honored those who have tirelessly championed for equality. He also emphasised the contribution made by women within Victoria Police and the progress they have made over the years.
The event concluded with Greek Traditional dancing, bringing a vibrant and joyous close to the evening’s proceedings.
AGAPI Care would like to thank the event sponsor Top Gun Collision Centre for making this event a reality.
