Press Releases

United Nations Headquarters, New York, 13 March 2025

Mr Chairman,

The Republic of Cyprus aligns with the Statement delivered by the European Union (EU), and the Statement of the Group of Friends for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Allow me to make some additional remarks in my national capacity.

It is both an honour and a privilege to address the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, as we mark 30 years since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 1995. This milestone is not just a moment of self-reflection, but also a strong call for action and an opportunity to reaffirm our joint commitment towards gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls at a global level.

Over the past few years, the Government of Cyprus has taken concrete steps and implemented practical measures to advance gender equality across all sectors. We have strengthened legislative frameworks, reinforced institutional mechanisms, introduced targeted policies aimed to eliminate gender-based discrimination and violence, as well as increasing financial support to women’s rights organisations.  Key achievements include the formulation of a comprehensive National Strategy, especially designed to promote gender equality horizontally at all levels, as well as the enactment of new legislation institutionalising, for the first time, the role of the Gender Equality Commissioner.

Moreover, special legislations on combating sexism, online sexism and gender-based violence, including recognising femicide as a separate crime, are also being implemented at a national level. Currently, we are promoting a new law to mainstream gender across public policies, aiming to challenge and gradually eradicate deeply rooted gender stereotypes and prejudices in Cypriot society. Central to our efforts is also the introduction of gender-responsive budgeting, enabling Ministries to develop targeted policies and actions based on gender-disaggregated statistics, ensuring that the needs of women and men, boys and girls, are equally addressed.

Furthermore, we have strengthened collaborations with the private sector to bridge the gender pay gap and to promote women's participation in traditionally male-dominated fields, such as STEAM. We also implement targeted measures to increase the presence of women in decision-making positions at all levels.

To support work-life balance, the Republic of Cyprus has also extended parental leave policies, enhanced maternity care services within the national health system and provided social benefits tailored to women's specific needs and realities. Additionally, we prioritise education and awareness-raising through expanded campaigns on gender equality, engaging youth and local communities to challenge stereotypes and promote equal opportunities.

Despite these advancements, we recognise that significant challenges remain. The global backlash against women, including shrinking spaces, economic instability, the fact that and the climate crisis disproportionately affect women and girls are just examples that are threatening decades of progress.

Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action means little without action. In response, we welcome the adoption of the Political Declaration last Monday, and reaffirm our dedication to fully implementing the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the most substantial Roadmap on Women’s Rights.

As we reiterate our commitment, we call upon the international community to accelerate action, increase funding for gender-responsive policies and ensure that the needs and realities of every woman and every girl across the globe, especially those in vulnerable situations, are fully met.

Thank you.

(AA/MS/IA)