Ms. Michaelides described her recent appointment as Secretary/Director of the Famagusta Chamber of Commerce, the first woman but also the youngest person ever to be employed by a Chamber in Cyprus, as an "honour". She added that "my appointment is an honour given the role played today by the local Chamber of Commerce and Industry in defending business interests, in developing the economy of the city and province of each Chamber and in promoting Entrepreneurship in multiple ways".
Asked if she thinks she may face problems with her male colleagues, given that the sector she will be moving into is purely male-dominated, Helen Michaelides replied that "although in Cyprus, and globally more broadly, there has been a percentage increase in female representation over time, we undoubtedly have a long way to go before we achieve equal representation between men and women".
He noted that "because the nature of the society in which we live is still mostly the same as it was many years ago, this requires even greater efforts to be made. However, I do not think I will face any problems from my male colleagues. In any case, I am not left with a contrary view of what I have received so far.""
I am optimistic, she continued, "about progress on the issue of equal treatment, regarding women's representation. This is reflected by the fact that 6 of the 20 members of the Board of Directors of EBEA are women - which makes the Chamber a pioneer in this area as well."
She also said that EBEA "is the local Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Cyprus that has the highest female representation on its Board of Directors. In addition, I am optimistic, since, in addition to the increasing female representation that is noted, I see some positive actions in this direction."
She further expressed appreciation that the Chamber, believed in her abilities and therefore proceeded to hire her, adding that "a person should be in the position they are in because of their professional qualifications and personality, whether it is a man or a woman. Therefore, he should be valued for what he has to offer and not whether he is a man or a woman and certainly irrespective of religion, political beliefs and others. The road to recognition is achieved through hard work and skills and nothing else" she said.
Regarding the promotion of women in Cyprus to senior management or other positions in organisations and elsewhere, Ms. Zachariadi said that "many Cypriot women who have excelled in their field and in general are a source of inspiration in themselves, such as Stella Kakoyannis Soulioti, the first woman Minister of the then independent Cyprus, who was also the first woman lawyer. There are also the women Ministers who followed, even many years later, including Claire Angelidou and the late Zeta Aimylianidou."
He also noted that "continued development and advancement should be an aspiration of every individual. Advancement cannot have limitations, it has no end, since the only criteria should be knowledge, experience, skills, abilities and continuous learning."
Therefore, she concluded, "men and women, despite any difficulties that may exist due to various factors, must always strive for advancement, both professionally and personally."
Ms. Michaelides was asked whether, following her recent appointment to the position, she would work with women's organizations in countries in Europe to publicize the Famagusta EEB and, by extension, the occupied city, as well as the illegal actions of Turkey and the pseudo-state to open beaches in the area.
He replied that "any bodies and organisations, whether they are women's organisations in European countries or others, that can contribute to the visibility of the Famagusta SEA and Famagusta, as well as to make known the current unacceptable actions of the pseudo-state, should be utilised".
To another question he replied that "the Famagusta Chamber of Commerce is a Chamber worthy of maximum promotion and promotion, as well as appreciation, due to the fact that, despite the current adversities, it is not only standing on its feet, but is developing a dynamic of great scope. And when we say adversity, we certainly do not just mean some small problems, but real problems, such as that of uprooting", he noted.
Clearly, he continued, "the huge growth potential that is currently presented for the Famagusta Chamber is an element to be exploited. Among the elements that indicate this potential is the recent granting of an office in Piraeus to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Piraeus by the corresponding Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Piraeus, in the context of tightening and strengthening relations between the two Chambers, on the occasion of their 50 years of twinning."
The office said Ms. Michaelides "was inaugurated on 20 June 2022 and the Famagusta Chamber of Commerce and Industry is the only and the first in history local Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Cyprus with offices abroad. The aim is to expand, by increasing membership and actions and in any other way that is feasible, with the sole aim of maximising business support," he said and noted that "women, men, directors, department heads, officers, all together, collectively and responsibly we can achieve a lot."
Source: CNA
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