Margarita Papandreou, pioneer of women’s rights in Greece, dies at 102

Margarita Papandreou, the wife of former Greek prime minister Andreas Papandreou and mother of former prime minister George Papandreou, died on Friday morning at her home in Palaio Faliro, at the age of 102. The family confirmed the news, describing her as one of the most important figures of the women’s rights movement in Greece.

Born Margaret Esther Chant on September 30, 1923, in Oak Park, Illinois, in the United States, she married Andreas Papandreou in 1951 and stood by his side for nearly four decades, until 1989.

Margarita Papandreou stood out as a pioneer of women’s rights in Greece. For eight years she led the Union of Women of Greece and played a key role in passing laws that radically changed the legal and social position of Greek women: the abolition of the dowry in 1982, the introduction of civil marriage in 1982, the legalization of abortion in 1986, as well as divorce by mutual consent, keeping one’s maiden name and equal rights in child custody.

Beyond her political and social engagement, Margarita Papandreou was also an author and columnist. Greek President Constantine Tassoulas issued a statement honoring her, praising her indelible contribution to Greek society.

Source: EIN Presswire (Greece newswire)