Melina Women
Melina Women's Program
Named in honour of Melina Mercouri, the celebrated Greek artist, politician, and advocate for women’s rights, our Melina Women’s Program offers a safe, supportive environment for women and girls to connect, create, and empower one another. It is designed to give participants space and time to focus on their own development, free from external pressures while fostering a sense of community and solidarity.
Our Purpose
At Melina Women, we believe in the transformative power of community, creativity, and shared experiences. Our goal is to empower women and girls by providing them with the resources, skills, and confidence to express their needs, desires, and rights. Through our program, women from all backgrounds can come together to explore what they can achieve collectively, regardless of their origins.
Program Highlights
Weekly Schedule:
Held every morning from Tuesday to Friday, our sessions offer a consistent opportunity for connection. Our professional driver picks up participants from the camp and drops them off after the session.
Small, Intimate Groups:
We welcome groups of up to 9 women who live in the Mavrovouni refugee camp, ensuring each participant receives personalized attention and care.
Shared Breakfast:
Each session begins with a shared breakfast, fostering a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere where our guests can bond over food before diving into the day’s activities.
Cross-Cultural Connection:
Our Melina Women sessions welcome women from all walks of life—whether locals, travellers, or students. We believe that diversity enriches our program, and by inviting women from different backgrounds to join, we create a unique opportunity for cross-cultural communication and learning. Through shared activities and conversations, participants can connect, exchange experiences, and gain a deeper understanding of each other’s cultures, fostering a sense of global sisterhood.
Creative and Skill-Building Activities
Every session is designed to spark creativity and develop practical skills. With activities changing daily and weekly, participants can learn and practice new techniques, including:
- Handicrafts: Jewelry making, knitting, crochet, sewing, textile painting, Porcelain painting, and crafting solar panel lights.
- Baking: We learn and share recipes, baking dishes such as muffins, cookies, and traditional Bolani together.
- Self-Care: Making natural products such as body butter and soap, as well as spa days.
We also emphasize upcycling and practical crafts, such as sewing long skirts and warm trousers or knitting hats, scarves, and gloves—items that can be used by the participants or distributed to those in need on the island.
Join Us
At Melina Women, we believe in the power of community, creativity, and collaboration. Whether you’re a local, a traveller, or a student, we welcome all women to join our sessions and become part of our vibrant, supportive environment. By participating, you’ll have the chance to connect with women from diverse backgrounds, exchange experiences, and learn from each other in a truly cross-cultural setting.
If you’re interested in joining a session, we’d love to hear from you! Please contact us to find out more about our schedule and how you can get involved. Together, we can create a space where women inspire and empower one another to achieve more.
A Special Thank You to Our Partners
