In celebration of Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, BPW Cyprus Federation is proud to host a groundbreaking conference, “Empowering Leadership: Unlocking the Impact of Women on Boards,” on November 30, 2024, at the Pancyprian Gymnasium. This conference is devoted to advancing gender diversity in leadership roles, with a special emphasis on increasing the representation of women on corporate boards in Cyprus. We are also honoured to announce that the conference will commence with an introductory address by Ms Josie Christodoulou, Commissioner for Gender Equality.
Event Details:
- Date: November 30, 2024
- Time: 08:30–13:00
- Location: Pancyprian Gymnasium, Nicosia
- Cost: Free admission with pre-registration due to limited seating. (Attendees are encouraged to confirm their participation by November 25, 2024, by emailing bpw@bpwcyprus.org.cy).
Why Attend?
The conference aims to address the need for greater female representation in leadership roles and identify steps to overcome barriers to boardroom diversity. Attendees will gain insights into proven strategies for promoting inclusivity and learn about the positive impact of diverse Boards on organisational success and competitiveness.
The conference will be conducted in both Greek and English.
With the support of the National Mechanism for Women's Rights.
Special thanks to our sponsors— Partners Connected Communications, European University Cyprus, Nextius Capital, AEON Payment Technologies, and ExxonMobil/Esso, Kapodistrias Automotive Parts— for their vital support in making this event possible and championing gender diversity in leadership.
For additional inquiries, please contact:
- Ms Maria Nicolaou at 22283164
- Ms Stavria Varnavidou at 22777787
Join us in advancing the movement toward gender-balanced leadership in Cyprus and beyond.
Conference AGENDA
8:30: Registration
9:00–9:10: Opening Session
- Conference Chair Opening Remarks: Polina Antoniou, Business Consultant
- Welcome Speech: Tasia Yiannara Yiallourides, President of BPW Cyprus
9:10–9:20
Opening Address: Josie Christodoulou – Commissioner for Gender Equality
9:20–9:40: Keynote Speech – "Unlocking Potential: The Power of Diverse Leadership". Exploring how diversity drives success and fosters a competitive advantage.
Speaker: Charis Xinari, Associate Professor, Critical and Cultural Theory, Department of Humanities, European University Cyprus
9:40–10:30: Panel Discussion – "Transforming Boardrooms with Women Leaders". A dialogue on the impact and contributions of women in leadership roles, focusing on the importance of gender-balanced boards.
Panellists:
- Maria Tsiakka - Chairwoman of the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority (Cyta), Owner/Manager at Tsiakkastel Office Line Ltd
- Marios Vryonides- Professor, Sociology and Research Methods, Vice-Rector, Research and External Affairs, European University Cyprus
- Stavros Ioannou - CEO, Grant Thornton Cyprus
- Elena Kapardi - Lawyer, Elias A. Stephanou LLC and Visiting Lecturer, University of Cyprus
Moderator: Cleopatra Kitti, Certified independent director, board member, and advisor to corporations, governments, and international organisations (EMEA, US, UK). Founder of The Mediterranean Growth Initiative
10:30–11:00: Networking Break
11:00–11:20: Keynote Speech – "Leading Change: Lessons from Gender Diversity Policies Around the World - The Case of France". Sharing experiences and best practices from successful gender diversity policies in France.
Speaker: HE Madam Clélia Chevrier Kolačko, Ambassador of France in Cyprus
11:20 AM–12:10: Panel Discussion – "Navigating Legal and Practical Solutions for Board Diversity in Cyprus". A panel addressing legal frameworks, best practices from other jurisdictions, and actionable steps needed to advance board diversity in Cyprus.
Panellists:
- Evgenia Christodoulou - Executive Director and Member of the Board of Directors, Central Bank of Cyprus
- Maria Petsa - Head of Market & Listing Division, Cyprus Stock Exchange
- Elena Karkoti - Officer A at Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission
- Andreas Charitou - Professor of Accounting & Finance, School of Economics and Management, University of Cyprus
Moderator: Alexandra Varla, Legal Designer & Business Lawyer LL.M, Founder MINDRE, Head of LAWYER Magazine, Founder TAILORED
12:10 - 13:00: Networking Lunch
