Commissioner for Gender Equality, Josie Christodoulou, presented on Friday the actions that were implemented in the framework of the National Action Plan “Women, Peace and Security (2021-2025)”.
According to a press release issued by the Commissioner’s Office, the presentation took place at the launch of the public consultation on the National Action Plan (2026-2028). The public consultation coincides with the 25th anniversary of the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 “Women, Peace and Security”.
The actions of the National Plan that have been implemented and the supporting actions within the framework of the National Strategy for Gender Equality as well as other policies, concern the promotion of women’s participation in leadership positions and representation in bodies related to peace and security, regional and international cooperation, education and addressing violence in the context of conflicts.
The Commissioner noted that for the first time participate at a percentage of 37.7% in the Council of Ministers, a woman is now Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, women lead 8 diplomatic missions of Cyprus abroad and 10 directorates of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while the President of the Republic appointed a woman as Special Representative for Religious Freedom and the Protection of Minorities in the Middle East. Moreover, she said that the Bicommunal Technical Committee for Youth is composed equally of men and women, promoting the participation of young people in the peace process.
Cyprus, she added, has supported Jordan in the development of its National Action Plan for Resolution 1325.
Furthermore, according to data provided by the Commissioner, close cooperation continues with UN agencies for the empowerment of women at a global level, 52% of the voluntary contributions of the Republic of Cyprus in 2024 was channeled to organizations that promote women’s empowerment, while a study was completed on the needs of men and women working in the National Guard and the Ministry of Defense with the aim of creating a gender-neutral work environment.
Concluding, she said that the Ministry of Defence has implemented extensive training programs on gender equality and the dismantling of stereotypes.