Kasapi Union, Melissa Network, DIWATA – The Philippine Women’s Network in Greece, BABAYLAN-Philippine Women’s Network in Europe
Deborah Carlos-Valencia (born 1948 or 1949) sometimes written as Deborah Valencia) is a Filipino social worker, feminist, founder of the Kasapi Union, and co-founder of the Melissa Network, an organization that brings together leaders of the established migrant community in Greece.
After arrival in Greece, Carlos-Valencia co-founded the Melissa Network in Athens in 2014[2] with Nadina Christopoulo.[6] The organization serves the needs of migrant women in Greece, especially migrant domestic workers in Athens.[2][1] The organization has since grown to include women from 45 countries.[2][7] The organization is a based in Victoria Square in central Athens,[6] amidst a community where far-right anti-migrant sentiment is high.[2] Services provided include language lessons and other life skills.[6]
In 1986, Carlos-Valencia helped found the Kasapi Union, an organisation supporting solidarity for those affected by Filipion dictator Ferdinand Marcos.[4] In 1998, she organized a worker's solidarity event at Panteion University.[7]
She is also helped found the DIWATA – The Philippine Women’s Network in Greecemicrocredit cooperative and was a founding member of BABAYLAN-Philippine Women’s Network in Europe.[8]
Six years after her arrival in Greece, in 2020, Carlos-Valencia was one of the 2.9% of Filipinos to obtain Greek citizenship.[5]
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