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- Ελληνικά
In a world facing multiple crises and challenges, the need to achieve full and meaningful gender equality is more urgent than ever. With the slogan "Invest in women: Accelerate Progress", the United Nations sends the message that only through the promotion of policies that empower women can the changes that will lead to meaningful progress and more just and prosperous societies and economies be achieved.
Gender equality is a non-negotiable human right and concerns everyone. Investing in equal opportunities for men and women in all areas of public and private life without exception is a fundamental obligation of all modern societies. Over the last five years, the coronavirus pandemic, geopolitical conflicts around the world, the climate crisis and economic inequalities have exacerbated existing inequalities between men and women, hindering progress in this area.
Demonstrating its strong support and commitment to equality issues, the Government has recently adopted the new Gender Equality Strategy 2024-2026, which provides a coherent and comprehensive framework for mainstreaming the principle of equality across the whole spectrum of public life. The aim is that through targeted programmes and actions, the principle of equality should permeate horizontally all public policies relating to health, the economy, employment, education, justice, foreign policy, defence, rural development and the environment, among others.
In an effort to further cultivate and consolidate a culture of equality, the Council of Ministers just yesterday approved a bill that enshrines in law the institution of the Gender Equality Commissioner. In the same context, the Report of the National Coordinating Body for the Prevention and Combating of Violence against Women for the period 2022-2023 was submitted for the information of the members of the Council of Ministers. Through coordinated actions, measures and programmes, the timely and effective prevention of gender-based violence and the provision of appropriate support and protection to women victims of violence are promoted.
The need to keep the principle of gender equality high on the political agenda at both national and European level was among the issues raised by all European Ministers for Equality at a recent Ministerial Meeting in Brussels, where Cyprus was represented.
As the Minister responsible for gender equality and combating gender-based violence, I assured Cyprus of its intention to pay due attention and sensitivity to gender equality issues in view of the forthcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2026.
As the Government, we fully recognise and understand the multiple challenges and inequalities that women face on a daily basis. Expressing our gratitude, appreciation and respect on this day is a minimum obligation and a tribute to all that women have achieved and contributed to date, both in our country and internationally. As a State, I assure you that we will continue and intensify our efforts in cooperation with all relevant bodies, so that all women, without exception, can fully and unhindered enjoy their human rights in conditions of prosperity, development and progress.
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