It is with great pleasure that I address such an important event in the context of the competition for the promotion of gender equality and social inclusion.
An institution established in recent years, with the cooperation of the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth, the Ministry of Justice and Public Order and the Commissioner for Citizens.
Our aim is to raise awareness among our young people on the prevention of violence and juvenile delinquency. The participation of schools of all levels, pupils, teachers, parents and local communities, as well as the large number of actions promoted within the framework of the competition, are proof that the objectives of the institution are being achieved.
The choice of the theme of the competition for the years 2021-2022 is not accidental. It reflects the importance we attach to this issue and our will to further promote gender equality and social inclusion.
In recent years, many steady steps have been taken in this direction.
Important legislation has been drafted and adopted to strengthen the legislative framework for preventing and combating gender-based violence. Such as the laws:
- on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence
- on harassment and stalking
- and on sexism.
In addition, by decision of the Council of Ministers, the National Coordinating Body was established and has been operating since March 2022, which is responsible for the coordination, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies implemented at the national level to prevent and combat all forms of violence against women.
The Police also has special units for handling such cases, with highly trained and sensitized personnel.
The importance that the Government attaches to the issue of gender equality is reflected in the National Action Plan for Equality between Men and Women 2019-2023. This Action Plan includes a series of actions aimed at combating violence against women, achieving balanced participation of men and women in decision-making positions, modernizing the legislative framework, empowering vulnerable groups of women, etc.
Gender equality and social inclusion are also important chapters of the National Strategy for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights, which was prepared by the Ministry of Justice and Public Order in cooperation with the University of Cyprus and adopted by the Council of Ministers in June 2021.
Despite the large number of actions that have been promoted and implemented in recent years and the significant improvement that Cyprus has shown in this area, many coordinated efforts and actions by all stakeholders are still needed to achieve the desired results.
In this struggle, the contribution of schools, teachers, parents, the local community and students is invaluable.
I feel the need to congratulate the school managements for the interest they have shown in participating in the competition, as well as the teaching staff, whose role has been decisive in the organisation of activities.
Congratulations are also due to the Parents' Associations and the local communities that participated in them. Most of all, however, allow me to congratulate the students who, with such zeal and enthusiasm, carried out actions of substantial value and importance.
Dear children,
I congratulate you both on your award and on your participation in this journey.
You are tomorrow's citizens and I am sure that the knowledge and experiences you have gained will accompany and guide you to face the challenges ahead.
I urge you to pass on these experiences to as many people as you can and put them into practice in your daily lives.
Again, congratulations. Thank you.
(NΓ/IK)
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