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On June 13–14, 2025, ComMedi took part in the opening event of the SONDER project in Athens — a powerful and emotional launch that marked the beginning of a European journey to reclaim visibility, dignity, and voice for women of the African diaspora.

Hosted by the Hellenic-Kenyan Chamber of Industry, Commerce, Development, Shipping, Tourism & Culture and co-funded by the CERV programme of the European Union, the two-day event brought together 77 participants from four countries, including Greece, Italy, Cyprus, and Spain. Among the guests were representatives from African consulates, cultural and women's organizations, educators, artists, and Afro-European communities.

A Project Rooted in Human Dignity

SONDER — Each Life is as Vivid and Complex as Any Other — invites us to reflect on lives too often ignored. It stands as a platform of solidarity, storytelling, and healing. ComMedi proudly embraces its central role in the project: transforming the personal narratives of African diaspora women into artistic and participatory actions. For us, art is not simply expression; it is intervention. It is empathy. It is memory turned into movement.

Voices That Matter

The opening ceremony was held in the symbolic "Antonis Tritsis" Amphitheater of the Municipality of Athens. The event was officially opened by Mr. Vassilis Katsikeas, the project coordinator and President of the Hellenic-Kenyan Chamber, who set the tone for a deeply meaningful gathering. His speech was followed by an emotionally charged welcome from Ms. Vicky Pantazopoulou, Honorary Consul of Kenya, celebrating the human-centered mission of the project.

ComMedi was represented by a strong and passionate team: Mr Kyratzis Thanos, ComMedi chairman and project inspirer; Ms. Theodora Blakou, European Programmes Coordinator, who presented the structure and vision of SONDER, Dr. Calliope Anagnostopoulou, policy expert, who introduced the ethical framework of the CERV programme, Ms. Alexandra Kolitsa, who performed the moving monologue “The Story of a Woman from Africa”, Ms. Helena Kyratzi, who supported the event’s organization and audience engagement

Their presence embodied the depth of expertise and emotional intelligence that ComMedi brings to the project.

The audience engaged in a vibrant dialogue, reflecting on visibility, identity, and shared humanity. It was a moment of connection where institutional voices met lived experiences.

From Vision to Action

On the second day, SONDER’s partner organizations gathered for a working meeting at the Honorary Consulate of Kenya in Athens. Each partner shared their responsibilities, reaffirming a collective commitment.

The atmosphere was one of clarity, care, and shared purpose — a collaboration founded on respect and a common goal: to rehumanize narratives, challenge racism, and celebrate Afro-European identities through stories that heal and unite.

For ComMedi, SONDER is more than a project. It is a living movement, a space of truth-telling and transformation — and we are proud to walk this path with communities across Europe.

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