SAO - for displaced women
SAO is a women-for-women non-profit organisation committed to supporting displaced women, who fled their homelands in search of safety in Greece. Since 2016, we have been working to provide needs-based support to refugees and asylum-seekers, who have endured war, natural disasters, gender-based violence and trafficking. We assist them to regain their strength and rebuild their lives.
Professional assistance
We focus on supporting refugee and asylum-seeking women living in Athens and Lesvos, who often face poverty, discrimination and societal barriers simply for being who they are. Most are confined by gender norms to traditional roles and bear sole responsibility for their children.
At SAO, we empower them to overcome these challenges, become agents of change and achieve inclusion within their new communities. Our team of dedicated professionals focus their work on three key areas: assistance with essential needs, empowerment through psychosocial support and inclusion through education.
“In the Bashira Centre I receive psychosocial and mental support. It helps me improve my self-confidence and reach my goals. SAO also offers other very important things, such as the cost for the bus tickets from the camp and back, and snacks.”
Displaced woman at Bashira Day Centre
© Helena Schätzle/ SAO
Our Day Centres
In our Day Centres in Athens and on Lesvos, displaced women find answers, support and assistance to regain their strength and create a better future.
“We stand up for displaced women with humanity and professionalism. We meet them in solidarity, at eye level, with respect and in recognition of human diversity, regardless of their reason for fleeing.”
Raquel Herzog, SAO Founder
© Myrto Papadopoulos/ SAO