Women of Monaco Lunch blends elegance and purpose in support of girls' education in Ethiopia

Amid sunlit gardens at Hôtel Hermitage on 12 June, Monaco’s annual Women of Monaco Lunch blended style and solidarity, raising €28,600 to support education for 140 Ethiopian girls.

Under a clear June sky, the 12th Women of Monaco Lunch brought together influential women at Hôtel Hermitage Monte‑Carlo. Organised by 5 Stars Events from an idea by Sandrine Knoell and underwritten by Barclays Private Bank, the event raised €28,600 in support of Monaco Aide et Présence’s ‘Trampled Rose’ programme for Ethiopian girls.

Transforming lives through education

Founded in 1979, Monaco Aide et Présence (MAP) directs 100 % of donations to sustainable aid in 28 countries, including a decade-long partnership with Ethiopia’s Trampled Rose Association The programme funds education, boarding, and mentorship for 140 girls, safeguarding them against early marriage and social isolation.

Many now pursue secondary—and some tertiary—studies, fulfilling MAP’s mission to empower vulnerable youth .

*Barclay’s Private Bank Team: Irina Phillips, Joanne Walia, Diana Chanas, Corinne Gioanni, Claudia Carrieri, Julie Larose*

Fashion, jewellery—and shared purpose

The luncheon featured a fine-jewellery showcase from Maison Aneka and a runway display by Luna E Sole. Guests, including members of the exclusive Women of Monaco Club, mingled over elegant fare in support of global education and women’s empowerment.

Shared values inspire action

MAP President Donatella Campioni reflected on Monaco’s humanitarian legacy: “Our aim is to restore dignity through education. These young lives depend on it.” The event also showcased MAP’s broader work in health, community development, and local initiatives across Africa and Asia.

*The Women of Monaco Lunch, themed ‘The Garden’, at the Hotel Hermitage*

Enduring impact through local commitment

This annual event cements the Principality’s unique combination of luxury and empathy—fashion for a cause, solidarity for real change.

See more of the Women of Monaco Lunch in Cassandra Tanti’s reel below…

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Main photo: Ksenia Lazure, Zhanna Gerashchenko, Inna Maier, Violetta Botvinnikova, H.R.H. Princess Camilla of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Sandrine Knoell, Anette Fredly, Iryna Parepskaya Martinelli, Ivana Ilic-Labia, Alexndra Florakis, Fiamma Terruzzi. All photos courtesy 5 Stars Events