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 organized by women and tailored for women. This annual festival was initiated in 2000 with a simple yet enduring concept: to bring women from all around the world together in the birthplace of Sappho, a renowned hub of ‘lesbian culture’ in Europe. The aim is to celebrate the diverse talents, skills, and knowledge of women.

The festival recognizes and embraces women who love women, while also incorporating elements from the broader LGBTQ+ community.

Unlike typical festivals where attendees camp for a few days, watch performances, and depart, the Eressos Women’s Festival offers a Greek island holiday experience that fosters lifelong friendships, prompting attendees to return year after year.

The festival was founded in 2000 by the local travel agency Sappho Travel and transitioned into a non-profit organization called Sappho Women in 2010. Over the years, the festival has expanded its offerings with the addition of new events.

Throughout the entire 14-day duration, the festival schedule is packed with numerous activities. Attendees can enjoy lively parties, live performances, DJs, boat cruises, and local nature walks. The festival also hosts a wide range of workshops, a women’s art exhibition, various sports events, book launches, yoga sessions, fitness training, dance lessons, beach volleyball, and daily swims to The Rock. Alternatively, one can choose to bask in the warm sun, swim in the crystal-clear Aegean Sea, indulge in soothing massages, and savor the fresh local produce.

There truly is something for everyone to enjoy during this festival!

Our Team Small team, but great power.

Wendy Jansen

President - Wendy is the President of Sappho Women and has been actively involved as the "chief volunteer" since 2004. With unwavering dedication, she tirelessly advances the organization's mission and goals. Wendy plays a crucial advisory role in shaping the festival program and managing event budgets. Her extensive experience makes her a versatile asset to the festival team. During the day, Wendy develops websites, including this one. At night, you might find her DJing at the festival's opening or entertaining guests at local bars.

Joanna Savva

Director - Joanna is the Director of Sappho Women, and a dynamo with a purpose.Whether she's in her office at the heart of the village or commanding the stage on opening night, Joanna's presence is unmistakable. She delights audiences with captivating shows and can be found dancing the night away in local bars. For over two decades, Joanna has dedicated herself to attracting visitors to her hometown of Skala Eressos. She is not only the owner of Sappho Travel, a local specialist travel agency, but also Sappho Estate Agency. Visitors to the village rely on her vibrant office as their go-to resource.

Liz Turnell

Events Manager - Liz has enthusiastically embraced the role of Events Manager at Sappho Women since 2017, and she has swiftly earned great appreciation as a valued member of the team. She wholeheartedly dedicates herself to liaising with artists, workshop providers, volunteers, and fellow team members. Liz plays a vital role in curating and producing the events that will be featured in the festival program. During the festival, you'll have the opportunity to meet Liz at the information spot.

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.