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Congratulations to the Paphos Democratic Party Women's Organisation (PDWO) for organising this event and thank you for inviting me to be here with you today.
The equal participation of men and women in the political arena is an important prerequisite for a meaningful democracy and good governance. In addition to strengthening and improving the democratic system, the participation of more women in political decision-making has a significant positive impact on society, which can help improve the lives of women and men. Benefits include fairer societies and more participatory governance, higher living standards, positive developments in education, health and infrastructure. At the same time, with the presence of women in the political arena, we are creating role models, since, as the well-known Marian Wright Edelman says, 'you cannot be what you cannot see'.
To preempt the discussion of quotas and whether we should force women, even if they are not competent, the answer is that we don't want men who are not competent either.
There are both women and men who are competent, and it is these men and women who we need in the political arena and in the decision-making centres. Unfortunately, however, because of the socio-political context, over time, it is a fact that since the creation of the Republic, the decision-making centres of our country, at all levels, have consisted of men, whether they were competent or not.
What is happening around the world: 7% of country leaders are women and only 24% are legislators. It took 30 years for the latter, since in 1995 lawmakers were at 11%. In our country, for the first time in history, with the government of Nikos Christodoulides, we have reached 39% in the Council of Ministers, 40% of women chairmen and vice-chairmen in the Boards of Directors (BoDs) and that is in terms of appointments.
As for the House of Representatives, unfortunately, the participation of women is at 14%. In the European Parliament we have only one woman, and in local government the participation of women is at 15%.
The reasons for the low numbers are many and multi-level:
Political parties have a primary role in determining the quantity and quality of opportunities for women to participate in party politics. The opportunities for women to take on leadership positions also depend on political parties, which control the processes for selecting and approving members. In addition, political parties decide on the ranking of candidates in electoral combinations and constituency combinations (lists), as well as in party structures. The leaders of most political parties in the European Union (EU) are men, as a report by the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) on gender equality in power and decision-making shows.
Formal and informal networks, operating within political parties, have a decisive influence on ascending to leadership positions, maintaining party support and implementing policy changes. It is men who are predominantly involved in informal networking activities after working hours. Consequently, the existence of these networks in male-dominated spaces can maintain male dominance and leadership, according to the EIGE report on gender equality in power and decision-making.
At the same time, gender stereotypes keep women away from leadership positions. The maintenance of gender stereotypes, and the internal mindset of many political parties, characterised by a predominantly 'male' leadership profile, continue to be a barrier to equal representation. Leadership positions have traditionally been predominantly occupied by men. The characteristics and abilities that leaders are expected to possess - such as assertiveness, superiority or rational thinking - are seen as typically male characteristics, with the result that leadership is often associated with men.
Gender stereotypes are also reflected in the distribution of parliamentary committees. Men dominate portfolios related to e.g. Defence, Foreign Policy, Economy, while women are mainly assigned to committees dealing with more social issues, thus reinforcing the stereotype that they are better suited to areas such as Education, Health and Culture. Christiana Erotokritou is one of the women who has dispelled this stereotype. Women are needed in all areas of life.
The message I want to get across today is that this is not a competition or rivalry between women and men. Certainly, when we think of women in politics they should not be the exception but the norm. Women have as much to offer in politics as men.
One example I often use that relates to the importance of women's participation in decision-making centres is domestic violence. The relevant bill was introduced and passed after women had entered Parliament in the 1980s. Another example is the efforts that my friend Christianna and I made to amend the Trafficking in Persons Act in relation to the criminalisation of the use of services by victims of trafficking for sexual exploitation.
Christianna, thank you both publicly and institutionally for our excellent cooperation for this success. I will not forget what we heard in the plenary of the House before the unanimous approval of the amendment, such as "we will put all men in jail."
Gender equality has become a bit fashionable in recent years and we have lost all sense of it. In an effort of holistic approaches and away from slogans, the government of Nikos Christodoulides is seriously proceeding to create actions and policies that aim to put the gender equality debate back on its proper footing and create a gender-friendly environment. At the same time, the Government's aim is to give space and a voice to women, so that they too can enjoy their full rights.
Also, through our actions, we want both boys and girls to be able, in this environment, to reach the maximum of their abilities, away from stereotypes and prejudices.
Specifically, in the context of our discussion today, which concerns women in politics and decision-making centres, the Government is moving forward with targeted policies and actions. At the same time, women are also involved in so-called invisible work at home: cleaning, cooking, etc. To this end, the Ministry of Social Welfare is setting up structures for infants and toddlers, as well as for the elderly, through the Recovery and Resilience Plan. The Ministry of State has already signed two agreements with municipalities, and in the long term, the aim is to create a total of 30 structures. The fact is that these policies will push women into full-time employment as well as leisure time, so that they can, if they wish, have the choice to get involved in public and political life.
At the same time, however, ladies and gentlemen, I repeat that within the framework of holistic approaches, we must continue to work on deconstructing stereotypes in schools, with systematic information for children and teachers. The creation of structures will give women a breathing space. However, at the same time, if equal responsibilities at home and in childcare are not adopted by men as well, we will continue to reproduce the same status quo, with extended working hours and double shifts for women.
In conclusion, I would like to congratulate the Democratic Party (DIKO) and its President Mr.
Our Office is at the disposal of parties for any support, with ideas and actions, as well as funding through the National Mechanism for Women's Rights, for the promotion of women in politics.
Our Office is at the disposal of parties for any support, with ideas and actions, as well as funding through the National Mechanism for Women's Rights, for the promotion of women in politics. We express our readiness to assist efforts to promote equal participation in politics.
(OP/MS)
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