Feminism in Greece

The feminist movement in Greece developed from the 19th Century, with various activists calling for the advancement of political rights and suffrage. In Greece, a strong patriarchal tradition exist, particularly in the rural regions. In larger cities like Athens, younger women have a more integrated role in society and the community; Only in 1952, did women receive the right to vote, and the right to inherit and keep property, even after marriage. In 1983, Greece signed and ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, and additional rights were granted to women within family law.

History

1830-1950

Kalliroi Parren (1859-1940), is often credited with beginning the feminist movement in Greece with her creation and publication of her newspaper, Ephemeris ton kyrion (Ladies' Journal), in 1887. Parren's newspaper soon became a hallmark of social change, working as both a forum for promoting progressive ideals and disseminating information. Her newspapers influence spanned the decades to come and were of high literary quality, drawing attention to the "women question" and the changing role of women in Greece. Parren's vision marked a new era that lasted well into the first half of the twentieth century that emphasized social justice and equality between the sexes and that this began with dramatic social change within the traditional family structure.

In 1872, Kalliopi Kehajia (1839-1905) founded the Society for Promoting Women's Education. Kalliroi Parren founded the Union for the Emancipation of Women in 1894 and the Union of Greek Women in 1896, although both avoided calls for the controversial cause of women's suffrage.