Dear friends,
Welcome to BPW Cyprus.
Transforming a patriarchal society is no easy task, and it certainly cannot be achieved in just a few years. However, I am convinced that we have made significant progress. The foundation has been laid, and we can continue to advance exponentially with faith in our collective strength. The women of Cyprus, like women everywhere, can achieve great things.
We envision a world where:
- Equal participation in decision-making centres is a given.
- Equal opportunities are accessible to all.
- Stereotypes and prejudices are a thing of the past.
BPW Cyprus was established to inspire, support, and empower women to overcome barriers, claim their goals, and unlock their limitless potential.
Our Agenda for 2025
As we enter 2025, we do so with a clear agenda. Our focus remains on achieving equal participation for women in leadership positions and decision-making centres. We believe that this goal is critical, as strategies, objectives, and actions must be decided equally by both women and men. Considering that women make up not only 50% of the population but also over 50% of the productive workforce, decisions about the economy, society, and the future must be made collectively, as they affect us all equally.
For 2025, BPW Cyprus’s goals and priorities focus on ensuring the fair and equal participation of women in decision-making centres. We aim to increase women’s representation on boards of directors and in leadership and managerial positions. For us at BPW Cyprus, the equal participation of women in decision-making and on boards is a fundamental issue of gender equality and justice.
Research consistently shows that this brings significant benefits to companies and society as a whole. According to international studies, some of the key advantages include: 1. Improved financial performance and sustainability: For example, a McKinsey & Company study ("Women Matter") found that companies with gender diversity in leadership are 21% more likely to achieve better financial results. 2. Enhanced decision-making: Diverse perspectives lead to more comprehensive and innovative solutions. 3. Better strategies and creativity: Diversity in views, experiences, and skills fosters stronger and more creative strategies. 4. Different leadership approaches: Women often bring a collaborative, communicative, and long-term perspective to leadership. 5. Stronger reputation and appeal: Companies and organizations that promote gender equality enjoy better reputations, making them more attractive to employees, investors, and consumers.
Investing as an economy and society in increasing women’s participation in leadership is not merely a matter of ethics or social responsibility; it is also a strategic choice that demonstrably contributes to the growth and prosperity of organizations and society in an ever-changing world.
As we move forward into 2025, our mission remains steadfast: to create a balanced society where women and men work together for a better tomorrow. This is not a competition between genders; it is an alliance for equality and justice.
Our key focus areas include:
- Networking and mentoring: Building networks that empower professional women.
- Education and awareness campaigns: Promoting knowledge and changing mindsets.
- Support for legislative initiatives: Advocating for the enactment and enforcement of laws that ensure equality.
Serving as President of BPW Cyprus for the 2022–2025 term is both an honour and a responsibility. Together with the dynamic women on our council, the members of BPW Nicosia, BPW Limassol, BPW Kyrenia, BPW Larnaca-Ammochostos, BPW Ammochostos, BPW Young, BPW English-Speaking Club, and all members of BPW Cyprus BoD, we continue to work tirelessly and enthusiastically.
In closing, I invite you to become part of this effort. Joining BPW Cyprus is not only a step toward your personal development but also a contribution to creating a fairer and more equitable society for all.
Thank you,
Tasia Yiannara Yiallouridou
President, BPW Cyprus
