Press Releases

It is a great honour to be here with you today and I would like to warmly thank the Cyprus Federation of Business and Professional Women for the invitation to attend and address tonight’s Gala Dinner.

I wish at the outset to commend the Federation for convening the 2^nd Mediterranean Symposium today, providing the platform for high-level exchange of views between leading experts on ways to further develop women’s entrepreneurship.

This important event is a concrete expression of our joint commitment to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment, and I am delighted to observe the level of support demonstrated by your presence today.

I also want to take a moment to acknowledge the exceptional women who were part of the Symposium’s panels today.  Women with remarkable success in their fields, who had so much to share with all of you.

As we pay tribute to the significant contribution and the pivotal role of women to our society, we also recognise the leading role of all business and professional women towards the further strengthening of the Cypriot economy.

The many achievements of women entrepreneurs in Cyprus, who reached the pinnacle of their economic and business sectors are a true inspiration to all of us, especially the younger generations.

I am also particularly pleased to attest that with growing opportunities, an increasing number of professional women are launching new businesses and embracing entrepreneurial careers.

However, in order to achieve, not only substantial progress, but real and positive change, adopting appropriate policies is required.

Promoting gender equality and advancing women’s empowerment constitutes a priority for the Government of Cyprus, safeguarding equal opportunities between men and women.

Within this framework, new laws tackling gender inequalities have been enacted, a number of equality bodies have been set up and new policies have been formulated all covering the gender aspect.

It is essential that we create an environment where all women are able to demonstrate their abilities and strengths to the fullest extent.  To give them the chance to lead and unleash their true potential.

It is not my intention tonight to get into detail and make a lengthy reference to the various policies put forward by the Government. 

I just want to take a moment and mention the Scheme for the Enhancement of Female Entrepreneurship, introduced by the Cyprus Government and co-financedwith the European Regional Development Fund, aiming to encourage, support and promote women’s entrepreneurship in various economic sectors, with a total amount of €9.5m for almost300 new businesses already approved so far.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Despite the fact that women’s contributions on all economic areas is constantly growing, regrettably, these are often overlooked and undervalued.

I avail myself of this opportunity to assure you that the Cyprus Government will continue focusing on the overall promotion of the equal participation and equitable representation of women at all levels of policy and decision-making.

Particularly in the economic and business fields, our primary focus remains the adoption of specific measures generating new and innovative opportunities for women entrepreneurs, as well as eliminating unequal business practices and any form of discrimination against women.

 Ladies and Gentlemen,

Distinguished Guests,

 n closing, I would like to congratulate the Cyprus Federation of Business and Professional Women for the outstanding work carried out by the organisation and the initiative to host this important Symposium, along with my best wishes for every success in your future endeavours.

*The speech was delivered by the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works Mrs Vassiliki Anastassiadou.

( DC )