Strong and resilient women become extremely vulnerable when forced to flee from conflict in their homeland.
On a daily basis, displaced women, mothers, and young girls are exposed to high risks and gender-based violence. Many are traumatised and suffer long-term effects from the abuses experienced.
We run two day centres for displaced women and mothers with their dependents - the Bashira Centre on Lesvos and the Amina Centre in Athens. Psychosocial assistance, offered by a professional group of women, is provided in a safe space where dignity and equality are safeguarded by all SAO members.
SAO Association supports these women on their way to a new, independent, and fulfilling life.
That is why SAO is needed. And SAO needs you!
News
SOCIAL MEDIA
What do you miss most?
In our new social media series, we share our clients' answers to the question, what do you miss most about your home?
The touching answers were illustrated by the talented artist and SAO-friend Eli Fazlollah. Her work can be viewed on her Instagram profile. Thank you so much Eli!
ANNUAL REPORT 2024
Our annual report 2024 is here!
SAO's unique approach of allowing displaced women to freely decide how they want to be active in our centers while providing them with tools and techniques to empower and integrate them is proving to be a success. We have learnt that affirmation, trust and respect for the dignity of each individual client can take the organization, the staff and its members a long way.
Highlights
Red Cross Award 2023
In June 2023 We were awarded the Red Cross Award 2023 at the Swiss Red Cross General Assembly in Neuchâtel.
Visit oft the Federal Councillor
In November 2023, we had the pleasure of welcoming Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider and State Secretary Christine Schraner Burgener, accompanied by a delegation from the Swiss Ambassador in Athens, Stefan Estermann, to the Bashira Centre on Lesbos.
The two women spent two hours in intensive discussions with ten SAO clients and founder Raquel Herzog.
Stranded in Greek asylum misery.
Thousands of displaced people have to endure in Greek camps. If their asylum is confirmed, they are allowed to go to the mainland, but there they are often threatened with homelessness.
SAO Association supports displaced women stranded in Greece in a concrete, efficient, discreet, neutral, flexible and ethical way.
Learn more about the context we work in here.
Quotes from our clients
Fa.
"I cannot thank you enough, because you gave me life for accepting me in Amina when I desperately needed someone to support me."
T
"They always leave the door open - we know we can talk, when we are ready"
f
«In Amina not all my needs can be met - but what I always get there is love»
N
"Cet endroit m'aporte beaucoup de choses: de l'amour, de la chaleur et le sentiment de revivre."
A
«I left all my family behind me.
I only have my son M* and SAO. That's why my love for this
organization has no limits.»
Z
"I finally speak Greek!"
