FCEM World Congress 2025: Athens at the Center of Global Women’s Entrepreneurship
Athens is preparing to host one of the most significant global events in women’s entrepreneurship — the FCEM World Congress 2025, taking place from November 3rd to 5th. Over 1,000 delegates from 40 countries across five continents will gather in Greece to exchange ideas, share best practices, and forge new pathways for international collaboration. On the occasion of this major event, we met with Mrs. Lina Tsaltabasi to discuss her vision, the mission of SEGE, and the new opportunities this Congress brings for Greek women entrepreneurs.
Ms. Tsaltabasi, Athens is set to take center stage in global women’s entrepreneurship. What does host FCEM 2025 mean for you and the SEGE?
FCEM World Congress 2025 is both a challenge and a national milestone for us at the Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Greece (SEGE). We managed to win the bid to host the conference against candidates such as Monaco, the UAE, and Canada. We have proven that our Association carries “special weight” in the Global Women’s Business Community. We have international best practices to show, and women entrepreneurs around the world want to come to Greece—not only to network with their Greek counterparts, but also to engage with FCEM’s global network.
The Congress coincides with the 80th anniversary of FCEM. How does this long history connect with SEGE’s mission and vision in Greece?
This celebratory year truly signifies the enduring value of women’s collaboration through business networks. We are honoring women’s entrepreneurial leadership and its evolution over time. FCEM’s principles align closely with those of SEGE: creation, growth, integrity, and promoting healthy role models in the women’s business ecosystem. SEGE is not just Greece’s national branch of the Global Confederation; it is also a leading organization among 100+ countries, shaping strategy and creating opportunities for its members.
Among the thematic pillars of the Congress are technology and innovation. In what ways do you believe Greek women entrepreneurs can leverage these tools to “take a step forward”?
Unfortunately, our country lacks when it comes to support systems for innovation. This affects all startup founders, regardless of gender. But when you consider that women researchers in Europe receive just about 20% of European research funding, you see how challenging the landscape is for Greek women in STEM. Yet, wherever there is difficulty, there is opportunity. With the right corrective measures, we can spark a flow of developments that bring more women into technology fields and contribute meaningfully to both national and sectoral economic revival. We at SEGE may not have the institutional power to change the legal framework overnight, but we do have the ability to mobilize our networks and provide platforms for women with innovative products — and that is precisely what we are doing.
SEGE has been active for nearly three decades in empowering women. Looking back, what do you consider the greatest progress made, and what remains the most difficult obstacle?
Truly, when the previous generation of inspired women founded SEGE, women’s entrepreneurship in Greece was below 20%. Over the 28 years of our organization’s life, we have tackled issues such as equality in maternity rights, parental benefits for female entrepreneurs, access to financing, and targeted programs fostering women’s entrepreneurship. Every small or large victory has brought us one step closer to equality in the economy.
If I had to highlight two milestone achievements, they would be: our award at the European Enterprise Promotion Awards in 2022 for our Energy Community (WECoop) — the world’s first women’s collective in the green economy — and another recognition from the same awards in 2025 for the Women’s Empowerment & Entrepreneurship Hub (WeHub). As for ongoing challenges, I would say the persistent battle with stereotypes in many sectors of the economy. That is precisely where the challenge lies: in showcasing healthy, modern, female business models.
Hosting such a large conference doesn’t just enhance the country’s brand—it also boosts the local economy. How can Greek women entrepreneurs benefit from this opportunity?
The Conference offers a unique development platform for Greek women entrepreneurs. First, many women have been entrusted with projects related to the event’s organization. All the suppliers for the Conference are SEGE members: from the production company, the firms arranging travel packages, the gifts for attendees, to translation and interpretation services. Secondly, women participating in the conference will have opportunities for networking, forming collaborations, and even presenting their businesses to potential investors. In short, we are bringing a global network to Greece so that all Greek women have the opportunity to make the most out of it.
On the international stage, women entrepreneurs are increasingly recognized as agents of change. What new trends do you see in women’s entrepreneurship for the coming years?
Women are now emerging as powerful agents of change. I believe we will see more women leading in what is often called the “new economy.” Empowerment efforts in fields like STEM, the Green Economy, and the Blue Economy appear to be yielding results — and as SEGE, we are proud to be part of this transformation in our country.
Finally, what message would you like to send to women who are doing business — or taking their first steps now — in Greece and around the world?
It may sound cliché, but it is timeless: do not be afraid to dare. Success is not a matter of gender. It is about persistence, knowledge, and commitment to your goal. Do not hesitate to seek support. Because, as we say at FCEM, “Together we are Invincible.”
We look forward to welcoming you in Athens, 3–5 November — where the heart of our global community will beat strongest.
Thank you very much!
