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"As part of our efforts to mainstream gender into public policies, the maritime sector could not be left out. This is why our strategy includes a specific thematic priority on Gender and Shipping: promoting equal representation of women and men in the blue professions."
These were, among other things, the words of Gender Equality Commissioner, Ms. Josie Christodoulou, in her address to the event organised by the Ministry of State for Maritime Affairs on the occasion of the International Day of Women in Shipping.
The Commissioner, after congratulating and thanking the Deputy Minister of Shipping Ms Marina Hadjimanolis for the excellent cooperation and for organising the event in honour of women in shipping, noted that the fact of the under-representation of women in the sector makes it necessary to map and record the maritime professions, the level and degree of representation of women and men, their different needs and the possible obstacles they face. To this end, he added, and in order to implement the Gender Equality Strategy, the Statistical Office is collecting and recording quantitative data. The next step is to conduct a qualitative study to identify the needs and barriers faced by both women and men in the maritime sector. Therefore, she added, we will have a more comprehensive picture of gender gaps, which will help us design more targeted policies and actions to promote substantive equality in the industry.
The Commissioner also made reference to the establishment by the Cabinet of 10 scholarships for women, in memory of Christiana Kouta. In 2023, she noted, the scholarships were awarded to women in STEAM professions directly related to shipping, while this year they will be awarded to women who intend to embark on studies exclusively in the shipping industry.
Ms Christodoulou then congratulated Despina Theodosiou, who was awarded the first Gender Equality Award of the International Maritime Organization, as well as the Gender Equality Award in Cyprus Shipping, which was established by a decision of the Council of Ministers. Her central and leading role in promoting gender equality and empowering women throughout her tenure as President of Wista International makes Cyprus and us women extremely proud, the Commissioner concluded.
For the text of the Commissioner's speech in English click here.
(AA/AF/NZ)
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