DEMYC Study Session: “Empowering Women in Democratic Processes”21-25 June, Prague – Czech Republic

NEDISY - CYPRUS

• 50 years of existence of the Republic of Cyprus – only 7 women member of the cabinet

• No women representation at the first Cyprus delegation at EP

• Limited representation in national parliament

• 1st May 2004 Cyprus accession in EU – progress on gender equality

• Ratification of International Treaties and conventions

• In a total of 11 members of the cabinet, 2 members are women (Minister of Labor & Social Secure, Minister of Transportation)

• 7 women members of the National Parliament in a sum of 56 (2 members of the Democratic Rally, 3 members of the Communist Party, 1 member of the Democratic Party and 1 member of the Socialist Party)

• 2 women members of the European Parliament ( 1 member of the Democratic Rally and 1 member of the Democratic Party)

• Cypriot women commissioners:• Commissioner for education, culture ,

multilingualism, sport, media and youth of the European commission

• Auditor General of the Republic of Cyprus

• Law commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus

• Commissioner for Administration of the Republic of Cyprus

• Commissioner for children’s rights of the Republic of Cyprus

• 19% Local Government women representation but only one woman mayor

• 20% Women diplomats at the diplomatic service

• 37% representation at civil service

• 29% senior officials

• 15.1% in the boards of Public corporations

• No woman president of the Republic, no woman president of the National Parliament, no women in chief executive positions

• Steps forward since the accession in the EU

• More to be done for balance

• Governmental benefits and motives to women

• Changing attitude and culture

• The absence of women in decision-making bodies, hinders the inclusion of a gender perspective in these critical spheres of influence.