The Cyprus Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW Cyprus) expresses its deep concern over the recent increase in the gender pay gap in Cyprus, as recorded in the latest official Eurostat data.
Specifically, the pay gap between men and women has risen to 12.2%, compared to 11.9% the previous year. In practical terms, this means that for every one euro earned by a man, a woman receives on average only 88 cents, despite the equal value of their work. This inequality not only affects women's current income but also their long-term financial prospects – from savings to pension entitlements.
The gender pay gap reflects deeper structural inequalities, such as the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions, the lack of recognition for unpaid care work, and the persistent stereotypes that continue to influence women’s career choices and opportunities.
BPW Cyprus calls on the State, employers, and social partners to take targeted and meaningful action to reduce the gender pay gap. This includes promoting workplace equality through pay transparency policies, increasing the presence of women in leadership roles, and supporting work-life balance initiatives.
As in previous years, BPW Cyprus marks Equal Pay Day with a nationwide awareness campaign, aiming to highlight women’s right to equal pay for work of equal value and to advocate for the effective enforcement of existing legislation. This includes more frequent inspections and the imposition of sanctions on employers who violate the law.
This year’s campaign is supported by a dynamic television and digital media campaign, and BPW Cyprus reaffirms its commitment to continue advocating until the gender pay gap is fully eliminated. Creating a workplace that is fair, inclusive, and equitable for all remains one of the Federation’s core principles and a long-standing mission.
Equal pay is not a privilege – it is a right.
