A contribution from the Greek partner REVMA – Roma Educational Vocational Maintainable Assistance, within the framework of the ACADEME project – Accelerating Capabilities against Anti-gypsyism and Discriminations in Education
Every year, on October 11, the world celebrates the International Day of the Girl Child — a special occasion to reflect on the rights of girls and the unique challenges they face across the globe.
Established by the United Nations in 2011, this day aims to promote gender equality and to empower girls so that they can fully realize their potential.
In many parts of the world, girls continue to face significant barriers: limited access to education, early marriage, gender-based violence, and discrimination. The International Day of the Girl Child reminds us that investing in girls’ rights means investing in a better future for everyone.
When girls receive an education and are supported in pursuing their aspirations, they become agents of change, capable of building stronger economies, healthier families, and more inclusive and peaceful communities.
Within the ACADEME project, women’s voices play a central role. Among the project partners, the Greek organization REVMA – Roma Educational Vocational Maintainable Assistance actively contributes to promoting gender equality and empowering young Roma women, celebrating their talent, courage, and commitment to change.
REVMA’s co-founders, Eirini Rapou and Xristina Kokkoni, are Greek Roma women from different Romani communities in Greece. Through their work, they strive to challenge stereotypes, promote education, and inspire new generations of girls to believe in themselves and in their future.
Eirini and Xristina, together with three other young Roma women, are the protagonists of the documentary “AER-ines,” directed by filmmaker Nanoudis Sideris.
The film is supported by the General Secretariat for Social Solidarity and Poverty Reduction of the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family, as part of the RomaPlatformEL 2023–2025 project.
The documentary gives voice to authentic and powerful stories — those of women who, through their example, demonstrate how education and active participation can become tools for empowerment and social change.
A message perfectly in line with the spirit of the International Day of the Girl Child.
🎬 Watch the documentary “AER-ines” here:
👉 https://drive.google.com/file/d/157tPe335B43EfUJO78_sXs3EwnX__Bt1/view?usp=sharing
A Call to Action
October 11 is not only a day of celebration — it is also a call to action.
It is a reminder that every girl has the right to be safe, respected, and free to choose her own path in life.
Through initiatives such as those of REVMA and the ACADEME project, we aim to raise awareness against gender stereotypes that still limit girls’ participation in education and public life.
Together, we can build a world where every girl’s voice is heard and her dreams can become reality.
