Women at the forefront of Cyprus

Open discussion with prominent Cypriot women by engage do your part for peace.

The NGO Support Centre in collaboration with the Mediterranean Institute of Gender Studies and the Group of Sociology and Social Criticism of the University of Cyprus are organising an open discussion under the theme Gender Equality and Women’s empowerment. The event is entitled “Women at the Forefront” and will take place on International Women’s Day - Friday the 8th of March, between 6pm and 8pm at Hall 010, Building 7, at the Social Activities Centre of the University Campus in Aglandjia (University of Cyprus).

During the event a policy paper regarding localized Gender Issues, developed and published through the Active Dialogue Campaign of ‘Engage-Do Your Part for Peace’ will be presented to the public. The specific policy paper is the culmination of 10 meetings across the island with over 200 participants expressing their views, experiences and opinions with regards to gender issues in Cyprus. The paper has been developed and published by the NGO Support Centre and the Management Centre and has been funded by UNDP-ACT. The result is an informative tool that will be used in awareness and advocacy campaigns by both Centres to bring to light the main priorities which aim to empower women, as agreed by women, across the island.

A panel discussion will follow the presentation of the policy paper and will include acclaimed women in the fields of journalism, business and politics as well as a gender specialist. The panellists are: Aimilia Kenevezou (acclaimed journalist), Elena Tanou (successful businesswoman) Eleni Mavrou (former minister of Internal Affairs and former mayor of Nicosia) and Suzana Pavlou (Director of the Mediterranean Institute of Gender Studies). The panellists will describe and explain their own personal experiences and challenges with regards to being actively successful woman in their industries, and Ms. Pavlou will also present a brief report regarding the true role and impact of women in Cyprus.

The event will be introduced by Ms. Mary Ioannidou-Koutselini, president of the Department of Education at the University of Cyprus and UNESCO Chair holder for Gender Empowerment and Equality. The panel discussion will be followed by Q&A and will be mediated by Mr. Michalis Persianis.

The event is open to the public and discussions will predominantly be delivered in the Greek language.