The Strong me Festival is about to begin: A celebration of empowerment and prevention against gender-based violence 19–21 September

The countdown to the largest festival dedicated to the prevention and elimination of gender-based violence in our country has begun!
The 4th Strong me Festival opens its doors on Friday, September 19, at the Peace and Friendship Stadium (SEF) at 5:00 p.m., inviting the public to take part in a unique celebration of empowerment, education, and culture. The festival runs from September 19 to 21, co-organized with the Municipality of Piraeus and SEF, under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, and the General Secretariat for Equality, with the support of STASY S.A.

All activities are free of charge and include sign language interpretation to ensure accessibility for everyone.

With the central message “We stand strong for equality”, the festival brings together over 70 organizations from across Greece, universities, the Hellenic Olympic Committee, and sports federations for athletes with disabilities, in actions that promote equality, prevention, and social awareness.

The program includes hands-on workshops, theatrical performances, art exhibitions, sports activities, training sessions for parents, teachers, and coaches, as well as volunteer initiatives. Among them is a blood donation drive organized by the “Parea tis Agapis” on Sunday, September 21, from 4:00–8:00 p.m., supporting children of the “Floga” foundation, in collaboration with Tzaneio Hospital of Piraeus.

Throughout the festival, the booths of “Come along!” and “Apanemi Stegi” will collect school supplies, craft materials, new toys, snacks, and personal hygiene items for children in child protection structures. At the booth of the “Girls’ Shelter of P. Faliro Agios Alexandros,” visitors can donate non-perishable food and stationery, while the H3RS RED SPOT booth will collect period products.

City of Love:
At the festival, the “City of Love” will be set up, where children will have the chance to create and paint small prefabricated houses. Through this action, they will send messages of love and support to children living in protection facilities, turning their creativity into acts of solidarity and empathy.

During the opening ceremony on Friday at 8:30 p.m., stand-up comedian Ira Katsouda will bring the audience closer to truth through humor. At 9:30 p.m., the theatrical play “Unripe Cherries” by Michail Anthis will follow—an intense thriller on domestic violence, reminding us that “sometimes silence makes the most dangerous noise.” Directed by Manousos Manousakis, starring Tania Trypi and Konstantinos Kazakos, with live cello by Stavros Parginos and the voice of Jenny Kazakou as Maria.

As part of Art Revolution, on Saturday, September 20, from 8:15 p.m., the Central Stage at SEF will host Am I Safe?, conceived and directed by Eva Stavroyianni, featuring Magdalini Spinou, the performance of Asterios, Sadahzinia, Angelos Pentaris, Stathis Giannakopoulos, and Giasemaki.

At the closing ceremony on Sunday, September 21, at 7:30 p.m. on the Central Stage at SEF, strength will meet inspiration. Combat sports will take the stage alongside distinguished and rising female athletes who break stereotypes, while athletes with disabilities will actively participate, proving that determination and love for sport can overcome any obstacle.

The festival will conclude with a powerful message of equality from Crete: Giorgos Nikiforou Zervakis and his musicians will remind us through song and dance that resilience and tradition go hand in hand, joined by the Cretan “Vrakoforoi” group performing the iconic Pentozali.

Strong me is a fully volunteer-driven, non-profit initiative that seeks to unite society under a common goal: to combat violence against women and to promote equality at every level.

We invite you to be part of this important movement and join an experience of collective action, learning, and creativity.