PES Women Vice-Presidents

Anna Karamanou

Anna Karamanou has been elected member of the European Parliament (1997-2004) and member of the Bureau of the Socialist Group. She was elected the Chairperson of the Committee on Women’s Rights and Equal Opportunities of the European Parliament (January 2002-July 2004). Human rights, gender equality, social and international issues, as well as European integration have always been in the centre of her interests. Anna Karamanou has been a particularly active trade-unionist in the telecommunications sector (1974-91), member of the Women’s Committee of the European Trade Unions Confederation (ETUC), an expert of the European Commission on gender issues and has also served as the State General Secretary for Equality. Founder of the "Political Association of Women" and member of the Secretariat of the “Front of Reason against Nationalism”. She has been member of the Central Committee of PASOK (1977-2001), the Chairperson of the Women's Section (1994-2001) and Vice-President of the Socialist International of Women (1996-2003). In 1999 she was awarded the prize of “PEACE and FRIENDSHIP A. IPEKCI”, for her contribution to the improvement of Greek-Turkish relations. In October 2004 was elected vice president of PES Women. In 2005 was elected member of PASOK National Council and vice-president of PES Women. Recently she graduated from her Master’s degree at the University of Athens, School of Philosophy. In May 2006, she was elected secretary of the Former Members’ Association (FMA).

Olga Zrihen

Born in Morocco in 1953, Olga Zrihen lived in France for more than 10 years and studied languages in Germany (Heidelberg), UK and Belgium (Mons). She started a professional career as a language teacher in Belgium. Very soon, she began to question the social functions of the school system. She took an active part in the teachers’ trade union movement. Her realisation that schools not only reproduce but also extend inequalities produced by society resulted in her firm commitment against all kinds of inequalities. At regional level, Olga joined actively the women’s movement. She also involved herself in concrete actions against illiteracy and participated in the creation of the local community television channel in La Louvière, where she lives now. Switching from teaching and training, Olga became head of department at the General Direction of Cultural Affairs of the Province of Hainaut. Her job was to develop the training sector. Her new responsibilities in budget, health, culture, youth and social matters led her to handle important provincial matters in close relation with European networks. In 2001, Olga became a Councillor of La Louvière. In April 2001, she became a member of the European Parliament and represented the PES Group on the Committee on Liberties, citizens’ rights, justice and home affairs and the Committee on Industry, foreign trade and energy. She was also appointed Vice-President on the Women’s rights and Equal Opportunities committee. In June 2004, Olga became a member of the Belgian Senate. She is vice-chair of PES Women since October 2004. Tenacious and consistent in her work, she has ever since continued her fight against social inequalities and unfair trade.

Inger Segelström

Inger Segelström was born on 25 February 1952 in Stockholm. She got a Law degree in 1979. She started her professional career with AFS International Education (1977-1978). Then, she was a Research assistant, principal executive officer, Labour Market Board (1979-1984). She was appointed Commissioner's assistant secretary, finance department Stockholm City Hall (1984-1987). Inger Segelström became Head of administration, Stockholm University students' union (1987-1990). She was Environment secretary, association of local authorities, Stockholm County (1990-1994). Her public career started when she became Chairwoman of the foundation/association Alla Kvinnors Hus (All Women's House) (1980-1984). She was appointed substitute member of Stockholm County Council (1988). Inger Segelström was Member of the staff committee, Stockholm County Council (1989-1991). Then she was Member of the Stockholm County Administrative Board (1992-1994). She was elected Member of the Swedish Parliament (1994-2004). She is Chairwoman of the Council on Media Violence (since 2003). She was Chairwoman of the Swedish Social Democratic Women's Federation (1995-2003). She was elected as an MEP in 2004. Inger Segelström is Head of Swedish Social Democratic Party delegation in the European Parliament (since 2004).