The Government intends to immediately proceed with actions to establish the institution of the Commissioner for Gender Equality, Minister of Justice and Public Order, Anna Koukkides-Procopiou, told CNA on the occasion of International Women’s Day.
Procopiou, as the competent Minister for Gender Equality issues and in particular for issues on the prevention and combating violence against women, expressed, at the same time, her readiness for the immediate promotion and implementation of the first National Strategy and the first National Action Plan for the Prevention and Combating of Gender-Based Violence which were recently drawn up, with implementation horizon the period 2023-2028.
She also noted that targeted actions will be promoted with the aim of deconstructing outdated social and sexist stereotypes and perceptions that are also the main cause of inequalities and discrimination against women.
Speaking to CNA, on the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Minister of Justice and Public Order said that March 8 is a day of commemoration of the timeless struggles and collective conquests of women around the world. She also noted that, equal opportunities for men and women at all levels and aspects of public and private life is a fundamental condition for achieving substantive social change and progress.
The Minister also pointed out that empowering women in the multiple and often diverse roles they take on at a personal and professional level is the crown of efforts to ensure a quality standard of living for them and well-being.
‘Strengthening the digital skills of women, in a world that is constantly and rapidly evolving technologically, is also a basic pursuit and necessity, as well as achieving a balanced participation of men and women in decision-making positions in the public and political sphere,’ she added.
As the State, she said, ‘we fully recognise and understand the multiple challenges and difficulties daily faced by mothers, workers, unemployed women, single parents, farmers, immigrant women, refugees, asylum seekers, women who are most affected by poverty and social exclusion, the elderly, women with disabilities, women who face discrimination due to their sexual orientation or gender identity and women who experience all forms of abuse and violation of their basic human rights’.
She stressed, at the same time, that International Women’s Day is not for complacency and platitudes, but is a day of expressing gratitude to each woman for her struggles and valuable contribution to society.
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Minister assured all women again that she will work with the aim of protecting and promoting their rights in a society of equality, inclusion, acceptance of otherness and of respect for human rights.
Source: Cyprus News Agency