About – Sappho Women

The International Eressos Women’s Festival in Skala Eressos is produced by non-profit company Sappho Women.

A core team of Sappho Women run the logistics of programming and hosting the events.

The International Eressos Women’s Festival is a two-week holiday in a village where every event is put on by women, and for women. The annual festival started in 2000 and the concept was a simple one and it remains a simple one: To bring women from all over the world together in the birthplace of Sappho – a mecca of ‘lesbian culture’ in Europe – in order to celebrate the rich variety of women’s talents, skills and knowledge.

It is an event that notably recognises and celebrates women who love women, and includes elements from the larger LGBTQ+ culture.

This is not a festival where you camp at a venue for a few days, watch some acts and leave. It is Greek island holiday where you will make friends for life and end up coming back every summer.

The Festival was founded in 2000 by local travel agency Sappho Travel and it became a non-profit organization Sappho Women in 2010. And so the idea was born and every year more events were added.

The entire 14 days are traditionally packed with so many things to do. There are loads of parties, live performances & DJs, as well as boat cruises and local walks into nature. There are a large variety of workshops, a women’s art exhibition, a number of sports events, book launches, yoga sessions, fitness training, dancing lessons, beach volleyball and daily swims to The Rock. Or .. you can come, lie in the warm sun, swim in the crystal clear Aegean Sea, pamper yourself with a massage and eat the fresh local produce.

There is something to do for everyone!

Our Team Small team, but great power.

Wendy Jansen

President - Wendy is the president of Sappho Women, and has been “chief volunteer” since 2004. She works tirelessly to further the organisation’s mission and goals, and has an important advisory role with regards to the festival programme and event budgets. Her many years experience make her a festival all-rounder, as well as a valued member of the team. She develops websites by day (incl. this one), and at night you might catch her DJing at the opening of the festival, or at one of the local bars.

Joanna Savva

Director - Joanna is the director of Sappho Women, and a dynamo with a purpose. You will find her in her office at the center of the village, or spot her on stage at the opening night, presenting a show or dancing the night away in one of the bars. Joanna has worked to bring visitors to her hometown of Skala Eressos for over two decades. She is the owner of local specialist travel agency Sappho Travel, as well as Sappho Estate Agency, and her vibrant office is the go-to for all visitors to the village.

Liz Turnell

Events Manager - Liz has taken on the exciting task of being the Events Manager of Sappho Women since 2017, and as such she has very quickly become one of the most appreciated members of the team. She’s a real grafter when it comes to communicating with artists, workshop providers, volunteers and team members, and she is responsible for producing the events that will eventually make it into the festival programme. You’ll be able to meet Liz at the info spot during the festival.

Antonia Savva

Reprographics - Sister extraordinaire, and the festival's biggest supporter, Antonia owns her own Reprographics company in Mytilini and has since day one been responsible for all Sappho Women's large-format, and large-volume printing. Her work includes - and isn't limited to - printing of all promotional materials, such as posters, flyers, programme booklets, stickers and t-shirts. Her knowledge of graphic design requirements is unmatched, and her patience (with us) is endless!

Luisa Di-Lella

Graphics Design - Luisa Di-Lella is a long-time friend of Skala Eressos and has enthusiastically accepted our request to assist us with our graphics design needs. With her professional and refreshing designs of all Sappho Women's official promotional materials - such as promo banners and event posters - she plays a crucial role in Sappho Women's efforts to establish a consistent brand and image. It is fabulous to have her talent on board!

Alison Child

Research & Advice - When Alison approached us and offered to assist us to research and advise us with regards to several key policy issues that our non-profit faces this anniversary year, we didn't hesitate a second! Alison is instrumental in crawling the internet for the latest information on Covid, as well as Climate Change, and she has already given us incredibly valuable recommendations and feedback on how our organisation will be able to grow into the future.

Sappho Women operates out of the office of local travel agency Sappho Travel.

Come and find us in town during the festival, to sign up for excursions and workshops, for wristbands and printed programmes.

The International Eressos Women’s Festival in Skala Eressos is produced by non-profit company Sappho Women.

A core team of Sappho Women run the logistics of programming and hosting the events.