Approximately 40 actions have been completed or are in progress within the framework of the National Strategy (NS) for Gender Equality 2024 – 2026, which includes approximately 60 actions, Commissioner for Gender Equality, Josie Christodoulou, said in an interview with the Cyprus News Agency (CNA).
At the same time, she pointed out ‘that for the first time we are promoting equality issues in all Ministries and Deputy Ministries’, adding that there is close cooperation between her Office and other partners, such as the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), the Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation and the Union of Municipalities.
Expressing her satisfaction with the progress of the Strategy’s implementation, Josie Christodoulou noted that, based on a ministerial decision, equality officers have been appointed in all Ministries and Deputy Ministries, with whom there is daily coordination and cooperation.
She also explained that within the framework of the Strategy, which is characterized by a “holistic and horizontal approach”, an effort is made to break down stereotypes through education, the launch of information campaigns and cooperation with career guidance counselors, so that children are advised on their professional orientation based on skills and not on stereotypes.
At the same time, Christodoulou said that many information campaigns are being implemented with women working in sectors where fewer women work (technology, diplomacy, shipping), pointing out that ”we are breaking down stereotypes, promoting women role models, we are coming to reconcile family and professional life with policies.”
Replying to a question from CNA about the measures the Government should implement to achieve wage equality and professional advancement of women, Josie Christodoulou noted that paid maternity leave has recently been increased and parental leave has been extended, adding that her Office is discussing with the Ministry of Labour the increase in paternity leave.
At the same time, she said that by the end of 2026, a directive regarding transparency among employees regarding their salaries should be incorporated into national law, pointing out that this directive will contribute to reducing the pay gap between women and men.
Invited to speak about the actions of her Office to address femicides, the Commissioner for Gender Equality said that, due to the Istanbul Convention, a law is being implemented regarding violence against women and domestic violence. Within this framework, as she explained, the National Coordinating Body for the Prevention and Combating of Violence has been created, which is under the coordination and monitoring of the Ministry of Justice and Public Order, adding that ”under the guidance of the Ministry of Justice, many steps are being taken towards the prevention of the phenomenon.” In addition, she pointed out that the Women’s House has been created, an interdepartmental space for women who have suffered any form of violence together with their children, where there are front-line workers (police, psychologist and social worker), who can provide guidance to victims of violence.
The Commissioner for Gender Equality also stressed the importance of the launch of the ‘Hope’ application by the Police, which concerns women victims of violence who are at risk. According to data by the Police, so far 176 women have gained access to the application, with 13 of them seeking help through it, she said. ‘The most important thing is prevention, so that no other woman loses her life,’ she pointed out.
Replying to a question from CNA about the sexist behaviours observed in the public sphere and the actions of her Office to limit this phenomenon, the Commissioner noted that Cyprus is among the first countries that, since 2021, have adopted a law concerning the prevention and fight against sexism, including online sexism, adding that since 2024, by ministerial decision, the responsibility for monitoring this law has been transferred to her Office.
At the same time, she clarified that her Office does not receive any complaints, explaining that ”we are not supervisory mechanism” and that “our role is purely the implementation and coordination of Government policies and actions.”