EVENT REPORT “WOMAN & LIGHT” Art Exhibition and Social Conference

With great success and significant public participation, the events organized by the Women’s Literary Society and the Foundation of the Museum for the Macedonian Struggle and the Modern History of Macedonia were held on Friday, March 6 and Saturday, March 7, 2026, on the occasion of the celebration of International Women’s Day.

On Friday, March 6, the opening of the group art exhibition “WOMAN & LIGHT” took place in the “Alexandros Haitoglou” Hall for Temporary Exhibitions and Events at the Museum for the Macedonian Struggle. The exhibition, centered on the theme “Women in children’s, young adult, and crossover literature,” highlights the presence of women in Literature, History, and social life.

Twenty-four contemporary artists—painters, illustrators, cartoonists, comic artists, and digital artists—shed light through their works on the role of imagery as a carrier of values and role models, promoting the need for a world without discrimination, the value of gender equality, and the power of the female voice.

In her opening remarks, the Director of the Museum Foundation, Ms. Athina Pavlidou, thanked the President of the Women’s Literary Society and all contributors for their collaboration, noting that the exhibition is part of the celebration of the 115th anniversary of International Women’s Day and the #WomenInMuseums initiative of ICOM, highlighting women’s contribution to culture.

The President of the Women’s Literary Society, Ms. Anna Vasileiadi, presented the history, aims, and activities of the literary association, emphasizing the importance of organizing the exhibition, which has now become an established institution.

A greeting was also delivered by Mr. Thanos Begas, President of the Development Organization of the Region of Central Macedonia, who underlined the importance of art as a driver of cultural and social development, while warmly congratulating the Museum Foundation and all contributors for the initiative.

The curator of the exhibition, Ms. Stavroula Mavrogeni, Professor at the University of Macedonia and Director of KEMIT – IMMA, explained in her speech that “the artworks themselves guided the creation of the exhibition,” emphasizing their interdisciplinarity and multiple interpretations. She also highlighted that the works showcase the multifaceted role of women in literary representations and in the narratives of life.

The participating artists are:
Ioanna–Stavroula Athanasopoulou, Panagiotis Giakas, Paraskevi Giapani, Liana Denezaki, Chrysta Dimarelou, Danae Dimoutziki, Kallirroi Ilia, Emmanouela Kakavia, Maria Kombatsiari, Angeliki Kourmoulaki, Chrysa Konstantinidou, Kaiti Makri, Maggy Makri, Kostis Makris, Christos Palanis, Iliana Petrisli, Andriana Rizopoulou, Tasia Sempsi, Ifigeneia Sideri, Teti Solou, Ilias Tabakeas, Dimitris Trakosas, Ioanna Tzatsou, and Lambros Psyrakis.

The overall coordination of the exhibition was undertaken by Anna Vasileiadi, President of the Women’s Literary Society, and Athina Pavlidou, Director of the Museum Foundation.

The exhibition “WOMAN & LIGHT” will remain open to the public at the Museum for the Macedonian Struggle until April 19, 2026, according to the Museum’s opening hours.

Social Conference “Sciences, Culture, Woman & Light”

Within the framework of the exhibition, the Social Conference “Sciences, Culture, Woman & Light” was also held on Saturday, March 7, with the participation of academics, health professionals, and educators. The conference attracted significant public interest and served as a space for constructive dialogue on issues concerning the position of women in contemporary society, their representation in art and literature, stereotypes found in school textbooks, as well as matters of mental health and social challenges.

The conference was opened with a greeting by the Deputy Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, Mr. Nikos Papaioannou, who emphasized the importance of cooperation between science and culture in promoting gender equality.

The conference was moderated by the Director of the Museum Foundation, Athina Pavlidou, and featured the following speakers:
Dimitra Kogkidou, Professor Emerita, School of Education, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and Coordinator of the Network of Gender Equality and Anti-Discrimination Committees in Greek Universities;
Stavroula Mavrogeni, Professor at the University of Macedonia and Director of KEMIT – IMMA;
Evangelia Kantartzi, President of the National Center for Research and Rescue of School Material and Director of the Museum of School Life and Education;
Anna Vasileiadi, Author and President of the Women’s Literary Society;
Nikita Kanakis, President of Doctors of the World;
Eleni Giannatsoulia, Psychologist and member of the International Association for Relational Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy (IARPP);
and Katerina Tzavara, Author, Educator, and Head of Educational Programs at IMMA.

Closing the event, Ms. Katerina Notopoulou, Member of Parliament for Thessaloniki A, referred to women role models of empowerment, emphasizing that the event highlighted the fruitful dialogue between culture, knowledge, science, and contemporary reality.

Photos: M. Pappous – Mr. Evangelidis.