Press Releases

The United Nations International Women’s Day is celebrated around the world every year on March 8th, paying tribute to women for the vital role they play in the political, economic, cultural and social life.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, recognizing that the violation and suppression of women's rights, and sex-based discrimination is a universal problem with negative socio-economic consequences and implications, has decided to mainstream the Gender Dimension into its foreign policy. In this framework and on the occasion of the International Women’s Day, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announces the most important actions scheduled for this year:

• Organizing seminars for all staff at the Central Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the effective integration of the gender dimension into foreign policy. 

• Organizing a specialized training seminar exclusively addressed to Women working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on “Women and Leadership”, aiming at narrowing the gap between women and men in decision-making positions at the Foreign Ministry. 

• Participation of the Advisor of the Minister of Foreign Affairs on Gender Issues, Ms Josie Christodoulou, at the 63rd Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (New York, 11-22 March) aiming at the development of cooperation of the Republic with other UN member states especially in the field of combating inequality between women and men in all sectors.  

• Intensification of the coordinating role of the Ministry in the implementation of the Recommendations submitted to the Republic of Cyprus in the context of its evaluation in relation to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). This Convention is the most important legal instrument worldwide to promote and safeguard women's rights. Compliance with its provisions is the best guarantee for success in promoting equality between women and men. 

• Organizing a Public Consultation on gender mainstreaming with the involvement of civil society and in particular bodies and organizations specializing in the promotion of equality between women and men. 

• Organizing together with other UN Member States an event on the sidelines of the 74th Session of the UN General Assembly in autumn, dedicated to the promotion of gender equality. 

The implementation of the above actions will turn 2019 into a landmark year in the efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to strengthen the Republic of Cyprus' ability to contribute effectively in accelerating progress towards gender equality across all sectors.

(ML)