Irida is a robust community of over 700 members, representing over 30 different countries.  We remain committed to nurturing our community and providing a safe place for women to build networks, access support, develop new skills and hobbies, contribute and volunteer within the community, and continue to develop themselves both personally and professionally.  

Due to COVID-19 we were required to temporarily close the doors to our physical space in March. However our team continues to tirelessly support our community with emergency protection issues, and providing classes and communication channels online.  We are able to provide crucial information translated into greek, Arabic, Sorani, Farsi, French and Turkish.  Greek and English language classes take place daily, led by our teachers and facilitators on online platforms. 

Since March 15th, we have intervened and financially supported 102 Emergency protection cases related to : urgent medical appointments, transport to hospital, medication for chronic illness, referrals or funds for legal and psycho-social consultation, infant and children's items, support for cases of gender-based violence and abuse, and essential food and hygiene items for single mothers and families experiencing extreme financial difficulties.  We continue to encourage and protect our community by adhering to social distancing, but we remain committed in solidarity with our community members, especially during the uncertain circumstances related to COVID-19. 
 

What We Can Do With Your Support

€10 Can cover the cost for 1 woman to connect online and continue to attend classes for 1 month
€20 Can cover medecine for chronic illness for 1 month
€30 Can cover transportation to and from the hospital for individuals with mobility issues or chronic illness
€50 Can cover a "baby kit" with necessary infant items, for new mothers to keep their baby safe and healthy
€100 Can help us continue theraputic arts and crafts activities for 1 month
€200 Can help us cover additional cleaning and sanitation costs, ensuring a safe and healthy environment according to new COVID-19 standards
€300 Can cover an urgent medical appointment or procedure, for a woman without a public health option
 

Why Women, and Why Irida?

Did you know that 
"Women and children make up more than 50% of any refugee, internally displaced, or stateless population and those who are unaccompanied, pregnant, heads of households, disabled, or elderly are especially vulnerable? Yet, only 4% of projects in UN inter-agnecy appeals were targeted at women and girls in 2014." 
However that's not all, research also shows us that:

"Women are often the first responders in a crisis, and whether en route or in camps, in home countries or destination countries, they play a crucial role in caring for, sustaining and rebuilding their communities."

That's where we come in. 
InterVolve is a Greek grassroots NGO of dedicated team members committed to creating a culture of resilience, and empowering individuals with the resources and skills they need to thrive. In January 2018 InterVolve created Irida: a safe, welcoming, participatory space where women have a voice, a sense of ownership, and the opportunity to receive information and support. At Irida women have a chance to make social connections and build community; to bond, to develop, to thrive — all in an environment of safety, trust, and diversity.  At Irida we value building community not just among our members, but between our members (often new arrivals to the Greek community), and the host community itself, through integration and inclusion.

Irida Women's Center exists for women of all nationalities and backgrounds; it offers safety and comfort, while also providing its members with direct resources to help heal trauma, as the large majority of our beneficiaries are refugee, migrant and asylum-seeking women and their children. Irida has been built on three pillars: protection, empowerment, and inclusion. Through education, psychosocial support, and other community-building activities, our visitors feel empowered to actively participate in the programming of the center, and most importantly, to find agency in their lives.

Find Out More 

If you would like to learn more about our programs, where our funding goes, or how to support us further, we would love to hear from you! 
Contact us at: 

Irida@iridacenter.org
https://www.iridacenter.org/
https://www.facebook.com/iridacenter/
https://www.instagram.com/iridacenter

Thank you for your invaluable solidarity and support!