Ladies Run was involved with the Iasis organization for the second time. In 2023, through the DESMOS association, we donated a refrigerator to a woman who was living in a shelter and struggling to set up her own home. We returned to offer an oven and a dryer. We were welcomed by the recipient of the donation, Ms. Nikoletta, and the social workers of Iasis, Electra Spyrou and Olga Kotopoulou.

On our side were track and field champion Christina Farantzou, DESMO program coordinator Aris Spanoudis, journalist Dimitris Papadopoulos, and Ladies Run creator Kimon Fragakis.

Electra explains: “The main focus of our work is mental health, and we support it in day centers, boarding schools, and sheltered homes that aim to de-institutionalize. It is also our duty to educate society and destigmatize mental illness.”

We are located in the Ano Patisia neighborhood, and the Iasis headquarters is a vibrant hub. Here, stereotypes are broken: mental health concerns us all, and visibility is essential. “I believe in the power of the neighborhood and society,” adds Electra. “Anyone who wants to learn about what we do is welcome to come here.”

Olga Kotopoulou talks to us about the requests received by the “Ypatia” service: “They ask us for help with reintegration into the workforce. The women learn English and computer skills and connect with the market. We cater to everyone, regardless of age or educational level.”

Christina Farantzou, champion in the 800m and 4x400m, has distinguished herself in two Ladies Run races. “I am delighted that my participation in the Ladies Run gave me the opportunity to learn about the ways in which Iasis helps empower women,” she told us.

Ladies Run and DESMOS will continue to support vulnerable women. Some of our actions over the past year have been with the organization DYNAME against gender-based violence, The Home Project, which houses teenage girls, the Athens Municipality Shelter for Abused Women, the Melissa Network for women who have been victims of gender-based violence, the DCIG organization that supports victims of trafficking, the Support Network for Imprisoned and Released Women, and others.