Press Releases

It is an honour and a privilege to be here and I wish to extend a very warm welcome to all of you, as well as my sincere thanks and appreciation to the Nizami Ganzavi International Center for the kind invitation.

Today’s event is a concrete expression of our joint commitment on women’s empowerment and gender equality, and I am delighted to see this level of support demonstrated by your presence here.

The empowerment of women and the improvement of their social, political and economic status is essential towards our shared vision of achieving sustainable development worldwide.

In order to achieve, not only progress, but real and positive change, adopting appropriate policies is required. All countries should act to empower women and move forward towards eliminating any remaining gender inequalities and any form of discrimination against women.

Governments and all competent authorities should continue promoting women’s equal participation and equitable representation at all levels of decision-making and in all spheres of life.   

But, unfortunately, although women’s contributions on all sectors is constantly increasing, these are often overlooked and undervalued.

It is essential, ladies and gentlemen, that we work hard in creating an environment, where all women are able to demonstrate their abilities and strengths to the fullest extent. To give them the chance to lead, to succeed, to feel valued and appreciated.

In Cyprus, we commit ourselves in enhancing the participation and role of women in the political, social, economic and cultural life of the island, and safeguarding equal opportunities between men and women.

And I do feel proud, ladies and gentlemen, because Cyprus has made significant progress in the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women.

As a country, we have successfully developed a number of strategies aiming in addressing these critical issues. A new legislation tackling gender inequalities has been enacted, a number of equality bodies have been set up and new policies have been formulated, to name a few.

As a result, the number of women’s presence in high-ranking positions was considerably increased, whereas the gender pay gap has been significantly reduced.

Our national action plan on equality between women and men signals Cyprus’ continued strong support for achieving gender equality and realising the human rights for women and girls. I take this opportunity, to reaffirm our commitment to relevant legal action plans and directives, eliminating deep-rooted stereotypes.

Furthermore, a new and comprehensive framework has been established, which includes provisions for the prevention and eradication of discrimination, harassment and abuse against women.

Our administration is advancing initiatives aiming at expanding the role of women, while our collaboration with all women’s organisations has been further developed and strengthened.

Initiatives that also extend in enriching our cooperation with the international community as well, aiming at addressing many of the remaining obstacles and tackling various challenges collaboratively.

At the same time, despite the progress achieved, we need to continue exploring new measures for promoting women’s empowerment, in order to realise together our shared vision of a more inclusive, accepting and supportive world.

Our work, honourable guests, is to encourage women around the world to realise their rights and opportunities in all aspects of life. Every woman, every girl, deserves to be empowered. Empowering women is an ongoing process, an ongoing challenge.

This is one of our many responsibilities, ladies and gentlemen. A responsibility we embrace. But let’s go further. Gender equality and women empowerment is our common path, our destination. 

Please allow me to take a moment and pay tribute to Mrs Mariana Vardinogianni, who will -so deservingly- be presented today with the Medal of Order of Honour.

I am truly proud to call Mrs Vardonogianni a close and beloved friend. She is an admirable person, known for her work and advocacy for the rights of children in both regional and international level.

Mrs Vardinogianni dedicated her whole life to charity and social solidarity, always reaching out and helping those in real need. Through her humanitarian work all these years, as well as her longstanding commitment to public service, she is truly a shining example of philanthropy and generosity.

In this regard, I feel enormously proud to announce that the President of the Republic of Cyprus will honour Mrs Mariana Vardinogianni, on October the 9^th, with the Medal of Exceptional Services to the Republic of Cyprus, the highest distinction awarded to individuals in recognition of their valuable services to Cyprus and the Cypriot people.

My dearest Mariana, keep on inspiring us!

In concluding, I would like to congratulate the Nizami Ganjavi International Center for the outstanding work carried out by the organisation, particularly in building a dialogue and better understanding between nations, cultures and peoples for the benefitof our future generations. Thank you.

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RM/MKY/II