This article is part of our series, “The People of Leros”, where we highlight individuals either from the island or who have chosen Leros as a special home. Each person stands out through their unique story, passions, and the meaningful ways they enrich the community.
Anna Tachliambouri, born and raised in Leros is a member of the Leros Municipality as a councillor. In the summer of 2006, she created the local branch of “Women Without Borders“. Since then, it has grown into a tight-knit family of nine board members and 280 active volunteers, all bound by a simple, grounded belief: that looking after one another is the highest form of culture there is. This initiative isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about the quiet, essential work that keeps a community whole. Whether it’s ensuring 120 local families have a warm meal during Christmas and Easter, or stepping in to help a student stay in school when the budget gets tight, they focus on the heart of the home. Behind this steady and meaningful work is a personal journey shaped by awareness, responsibility and a deep connection to the community. We spoke with Anna to understand what led her to this path, how her role has evolved, and what continues to drive both her and the association forward.
What motivated you to become involved in public life and create “Women Without Borders”? Was there a particular experience or event that inspired you to dedicate yourself to social contribution and women’s empowerment?
The inspiration and motivation for becoming actively involved in the association “Women Without Borders” was the absence of a strong female presence in the social and public life of Leros. I felt that there was a need for women’s voices to be heard more clearly and for a space to be created where women could contribute, take action and participate meaningfully.
How do you manage to combine your role as president of the association with your role as a municipal councillor? What are the biggest challenges of this dual responsibility?
My dual role, as president of the association and at the same time as a municipal councillor, is certainly a challenge. However, it is also an opportunity for interaction between issues concerning both the Municipality and the association. It allows for a faster resolution of the matters that concern us, and I must acknowledge that, up to now, our cooperation with the Municipality has been at a very good level.
What is the vision and what are the main goals of “Women Without Borders” in Leros? Which actions do you consider the most important so far?
Our vision is continuity, consistency, seriousness and the constant effort to become better. The activities of our association are varied, with charity and support for our fellow human beings being at the heart of our work. We feel particular joy and satisfaction when our actions are aimed at children. We have also organized informative seminars with a developmental pediatrician and a psychologist, with the aim of informing and supporting parents.
How does the local community respond to your initiatives? Do you feel that the women of Leros participate actively, or are there still obstacles?
The response of the local community has been excellent. People support our initiatives, and this gives us strength to continue.
As for women’s participation, I believe there is always room for improvement. It is important for women to become even more actively involved, to take initiatives and to believe in their own strength.
What are the most significant difficulties you face as a local association? How could local government support your work in a more meaningful way?
There are always difficulties, especially when it comes to finding financial resources. However, even this is a challenge for us, and we almost always find a solution. Local government can support such efforts in a meaningful way through cooperation, information, providing a platform and strengthening actions that concern society, family, women and the younger generation.
How do you see the evolution of women’s role in Leros and on the islands in general? What needs or problems do you consider most pressing today?
As president of the association, I believe that what is missing is proper information through seminars and meaningful actions. There is a need for information for parents, support for single-parent families and guidance on how to deal with adolescence and the issues that may concern the younger generation. I also believe it is very important to give the younger generation a voice within the Municipality, so that young people can express themselves and participate actively.
What gives you the strength to continue this effort? Is there a moment or result that made you feel especially proud?
The response of the community, people’s participation and, above all, the outcome of every action that offers real help give us strength. We feel particular joy and satisfaction when our actions concern children, because in those cases we feel that our contribution reaches an even more sensitive and important group.
What are the next steps and future plans of the association?
We hope for a better tomorrow for all of us. Our goal is to continue our actions with consistency, to strengthen public awareness and to support families, women, children and the younger generation even more.
If you could send one message to the women of Leros, what would it be?
My message is that, no matter what position we are in, if we truly want to contribute, we can. I would also like to thank you very much for giving our association a platform and for allowing our voice to be heard through this interview.
