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- Ελληνικά
Honorable Mrs. President of the Socialist Women's Movement Mrs. Roula Mavronikola,
Dear Roula,
Dear friends,
Congratulations for the initiative and the organization of this event, which unfortunately comes at a timely time due to the military conflict in the Middle East - it is two months today - and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which began about two years ago.
In these conflicts, as in all wars, the reality is that women and children are being used as shields of protection as well as weapons of war. Women and children have been abducted, raped and trafficked for labour and sexual exploitation. At the same time, the lives of civilians, women, children and the elderly are being lost.
History teaches us that wars were a creation of the display of masculinity, of power, of the exercise of authority between men for domination.
Diplomacy, friends, is pushing for peace.
Diplomacy, friends, is pushing for peace. Diplomacy to achieve peace is more necessary than ever. However, peace cannot be achieved without the presence of women in leadership positions since they too are affected during war and by the consequences of war. Recognizing this need at the global level, efforts have been and are being made at the multilateral level, through various resolutions, for peace and women's participation, the best known being that of the United Nations Security Council 1325 "Women, Peace and Security" and, more generally, the agenda of the same name.
The Resolution highlights the disproportionate and negative impact of war on women and girls, including the sexual abuse and violence they face.
At the same time, the Resolution recognizes the role of women in preventing conflict, finding solutions, building and maintaining peace. It also recognises the great need for women to be involved in the peace-building process. The framework of the Resolution guides us in the reconstruction of peace and the creation of just and inclusive societies. Therefore, the participation of women in peacebuilding processes is a dynamic process for the active involvement of women in decision-making centres. And leaders should ensure their effective participation.
According to the International Peace Institute, when women were involved in peacebuilding processes, agreements were 35% stronger and more likely to last longer, more than fifteen years.
Therefore, the effective participation of women is of utmost importance in the traditionally male-dominated security sector, which is where these issues are discussed.
In this context, the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicos Christodoulides, through his previous position as Foreign Minister, took the initiative to integrate the gender dimension in foreign policy. On the basis of this initiative, many and varied actions were implemented, such as the appointment of more women to key positions, including heads of diplomatic missions.
In the same context, these actions continue today with women leading diplomatic missions in Vienna, Geneva, Egypt, Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates. Marilena Rauna is the Head of the Diplomatic Office of the President of the Republic. In the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, four important managerial positions are held by women, such as the Political Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by Ms Salina Shiabou, the Director of the Cyprus Directorate by Ms Penelope Erotokritou, the Head of the General Secretariat for European Affairs by Ms Harris Christodoulides, and the Director of Etiquette by Ms Koula Sofianou. Also, both in the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and in the Office of the Director General the positions are held by women - Ms Demetra Christodoulou and Ms Georgia Apeigitou. Ms Elena Rafti, former representative of the Republic of Cyprus to the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, in her new position, is advisor to the Minister of Defence on security and foreign policy issues. For the first time in the history of our country, a woman, Ms. Maria Michael, is appointed as Cyprus' Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Resolution 1325 not only urges Member States to appoint more women to decision-making centres at the multilateral level, but also at the national level. President Christodoulides appointed 46% women in his initial appointments. In the Cabinet, including Deputy Ministers, the percentage of women reached 41.17% for the first time in the history of appointments.
At the same time, and as you know, Gender Equality is high on the agenda of the President of the Republic and the Government. In this direction, the Council of Ministers has taken a decision to upgrade the Office of the Gender Equality Commissioner, in an effort, among other things, to integrate the gender dimension, horizontally, in all Ministries and Deputy Ministries, through the planning, coordination and monitoring of the new National Strategy for Gender Equality 2024 - 2026.
Friends,
The former Commissioner for Gender Equality Ms. Josephine Antoniou had taken the initiative and prepared the first Action Plan for the years 2020 - 2025 for the full implementation of the Action Plan related to Resolution 1325. In this planning, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs played a key role in its adoption.
Some of the actions were implemented by the former Commissioner and currently the following actions are in progress or have been completed.
- With the substantial, excellent and close cooperation of the Office of the Gender Equality Commissioner and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (which represents us in international, multilateral fora), Cyprus is becoming more active in a number of national actions in the field of gender equality in general, and more specifically in the field of Women, Peace and Security.
-The drafting of the Guide to Conduct for Personnel Serving in Military and Civilian Missions regarding their obligations to respect the rights of women and girls, including women serving in the military during conflicts, conflict resolution and peace-building processes has been completed.
-A Committee to Coordinate, Monitor and Evaluate the Implementation of the Action Plan on Resolution 1325 was established in September 2023. The Committee is composed of academics, members of civil society and government officials.
- A brochure was published and circulated to inform the public about Resolution 1325. A new leaflet will be issued and circulated to inform the public about Resolution 1325.
- We are in the process of creating audiovisual material (video), which will be shown on Social Media and other media to inform the public about the importance of Resolution 1325.
- We are in the process of creating audiovisual material (video), which will be shown on Social Media and other media to inform the public about the importance of Resolution 1325. The video is expected to be created and aired within the next few days and before the end of December.
- Seminars and workshops have been organized with frontline workers to inform them about gender-related issues and raise their awareness, especially on issues related to incidents involving victims of violence. More specifically, the Ministry of Defence organised a conference in 2022 with a large number of participants serving in the National Guard. During the conference, in a special panel, the subject matter expert, Major Irene Panza presented the parameters and significance of Resolution 1325.
Friends,
I want to emphasize the imperative to successfully respond to the principles and values outlined in the 1325 Women, Peace and Security agenda. Humanity is facing alarming changes and instability in security issues, as well as geopolitical tensions and challenges.
We are witnessing rapid changes in terms of technology and cyber-attacks. We need to redefine the way we should think and act on the issue of security. In this context, women in leadership positions, as well as their full, equal and meaningful participation at all levels of decision making is important and necessary in the direction we are working towards.
Thank you for your attention.
(EATH/ASP)
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