It also presented the opportunity to visit some projects that have been financed by Femmes d’ Europe in Crete in recent years. One of these projects was the “House of the Angels”, a very nice new building set in the rural countryside, which is designed to house some 25 abandoned children. This is an important new initiative of the Union of Women Association of Heraklion (UWAH), which has been actively involved for some 30 years in providing crucial services to women and children who are suffering from domestic violence and abuse.

Our group of some 15 persons were welcomed warmly by Maria Pahiadaki, the President of UWAH and some 10 members of the Board of the Association, all long-standing volunteers. We were given a presentation of the work of the Association and had the opportunity to admire the nice white Ford Galaxy van that was co-financed by the Greek 2025 NAT project. This van will serve to transport women and children from their homes to police stations and shelters and also support the Association’s logistical operations. True to the spirit of renowned Greek hospitality, we were treated to some delicious home-made cakes, savoury treats, delicious figs and a small glass of raki for the strong hearted at the end of our visit.

Personally, I was very impressed by the dynamism of these women and the fantastic work they are doing through Crete’s first Shelter for Women and Children (since 2002), the Counselling Centre "The House of Women" (since 2015), a 24-hour SOS Helpline, which serves all of Greece, and the Food Bank of Crete (since 2022). They are also very heavily involved in European projects for the exchange of experience and best practice in their field of expertise, which is very enriching and valuable for all parties involved.

Fiona Joyce
Irish Group