THE HOME PROJECT IS AN ACTION FOR WOMEN’S HEALTH AWARDEE
The HOME Project has been selected as one of five organizations based in Europe and 80 organizations worldwide, that were awarded funding through Action for Women’s Health, a $250 million global initiative supporting organizations that improve the mental and physical health of women and girls worldwide. The initiative is funded by Pivotal, a group of impact organizations founded by Melinda French Gates, and managed by Lever for Change, which identifies and supports bold solutions to pressing global problems.
Refugee girls and young women face complex physical and mental health challenges, including limited access to healthcare, gynaecological services, immunizations, and prenatal and postnatal care. Many suffer from undiagnosed depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances, as well as somatic symptoms of psychological distress. They are often victims of trauma, trafficking, sexual abuse, forced marriages and domestic violence. They have little or no awareness of gender equality, while interrupted schooling or zero education further hinder their well-being and future prospects. Female genital mutilation is prevalent in certain African populations, leading to additional physical and emotional consequences.
Over 4,000 organizations from 119 countries applied as part of the Action for Women’s Health global open call which was launched in 2024, and awardees were chosen following a rigorous multi-month review process.
Founded in 2016, The HOME Project provides comprehensive child protection and integration services to unaccompanied refugee children, including young girls and teenage mothers with their babies. Across the 13 homes it operates in central Athens, the organization offers healthcare, mental health support, access to education, legal assistance, and empowerment programs to foster recovery, resilience and meaningful integration into society.
The HOME Project has supported over 1,500 children from more than 40 countries. With ongoing guidance and support, implemented through individual development plans, girls and minor mothers with their babies who have been survivors of sexual violence, ostracized due to their sexual orientation, or forced to flee early marriage have grown into confident, independent and successful young women. Many have pursued higher education through scholarships, secured employment, and become advocates for refugee integration and female empowerment.
“We are deeply honored to be recognized by Action for Women’s Health. The contribution of the private sector remains vital for our mission, as nearly half of The HOME Project’s annual budget is raised through individual donors and philanthropic foundations. Private funding enables us to fully implement our child protection model, ensure the uninterrupted operation of our shelters, and constantly enhance the quality of our services. Most importantly, it allows us to continue to empower refugee girls who have endured multiple forms of trauma and persecution, to discover their voice, to make their own decisions and to rebuild their lives with confidence, dignity, and hope for the future”, says Sofia Kouvelaki, founder and Chief Executive Officer of The HOME Project.
