(Athens, September 2025)
As part of the EmpowerHER project, partners met in Athens for a three-day workshop focused on improving support systems for migrant women who are victims or at risk of trafficking. Hosted by Kinoniko EKAV at Impact hub Athens, the workshop combined institutional presentations, technical sessions, and field visits to deepen the consortium’s understanding of the Greek protection landscape.
One of the strengths of this workshop was having all key stakeholders in the same place, the speakers included:
- Odysseas Voudouris, Chairman of the Board, Kinoniko EKAV
- Stavroula Marinopoulou, Head of Procedures & Training Department, Reception and Identification Service, Ministry of Migration & Asylum
- Maria Theofilopoulou, Focal Point for Gender-Based Violence and Human Trafficking, Closed Controlled Structure of Kos, Ministry of Migration & Asylum
- Natasa Pantazi, Program Management Officer, Greek Council for Refugees
- Ioanna Memousai, Social Worker, Greek Council for Refugees
- Eleni Kayiou, Lawyer, Greek Council for Refugees
- Nikoletta Dimopoulou, Head of Theatre & Experiential Activities, Greek Council for Refugees
- Spyros Bratsikas, Police Deputy Director, Organized Crime Division, Directorate of Public Security, Hellenic Police Headquarters
- Marianna Christou, Social Worker, NRM Management Team (EKKA)
- Revekka Misthou, Program Development Manager, “Green Light” & anti-trafficking programs, Salvation Army
- Social worker & head of the day center from A21 Organization
- Stefanos Matrozos, HR & Communications Manager, Threads of Hope
This diversity of perspectives enriched the discussions and helped partners identify common challenges, shared priorities, and actionable ways to strengthen support services across countries.
Day 1 – Understanding Frameworks, Legal Tools, and Field Realities
The first day focused on:
- Greece’s national plan against human trafficking
- The legal framework for victim recognition and prosecution
- Myths, truths, and forms of exploitation
- Work of the Victim Protection Unit
- Procedures for identification and response
- Field experiences from reception and asylum services
- Experiential role-playing exercises on trafficking pathways
- Testimonies from practitioners working directly on the ground
These sessions offered a comprehensive view of how trafficking cases evolve, how victims are identified, and what institutional and legal tools are available.
Day 2 – National Mechanisms, Law Enforcement, and Reintegration
The second day deepened the discussion through:
- An overview of human trafficking in Greece and existing support networks
- Actions taken against trafficking networks and traffickers’ tactics
- Law enforcement perspectives from the Hellenic Police
- Victim identification and communication practices
- Linking with the National Referral Mechanism (NRM)
- A practical exercise on completing NRM referral forms
- Presentations from programs supporting survivors (“Green Light”, A21, Threads of Hope)
- Discussions on linking victims to labour markets and long-term reintegration
- Final conclusions and open reflections
A Successful Workshop Supporting the Next Steps of EmpowerHER
The workshop in Athens was a success and provided an essential knowledge base for the next phases of EmpowerHER, including the development of the needs assessment, the mentoring structure, and the design of local actions in each country.
We extend our sincere thanks to Kinoniko EKAV for their excellent organization, hospitality, and professionalism throughout the workshop as always.
EU Disclaimer
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the granting authority. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
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