Twinning ceremonies connect to build social and cultural exchange, while others have a common interest in an industry or profession. This time on the 15th of June, the twinning ceremony between BPW Kyrenia (Cyprus) and BPW Gravina, Puglia (Italy) took place in Italy, at Gravina in Puglia Municipality.
The President of BPW Kyrenia, Ms. Georgia Neophytou greeted the ceremony and thanked our sisters from Puglia for the organization, especially Mariangela Aquila, the president of BPW Gravina. She spoke about Cyprus and specifically about Kyrenia which has been an occupied city since 1974 due to the Turkish invasion. During the ceremony, gifts symbolizing friendship and love were exchanged. A plaque of honor was offered to us. On behalf of BPW Kyrenia, a plate representing the map of Cyprus with the ship of Kyrenia and Cyprus sweets and monuments was offered.
As part of the twinning event, a panel discussion was organized on ‘Women on Boards – The value of diversity’. On behalf of the Cyprus team, Ms. Mary Papadopoulos (BPW Cyprus, Past National President) and Ms. Chrystalla Socratous (Board Secretary of BPW Kyrenia) contributed to the panel discussion. They were invited to speak about ‘Women in Politics’, and ‘Women’s Under-Representation in board and decision-making Positions. The role of BPW’, respectively. Special thanks to our past National President – Ms. Mary Papadopoulos, Ms. Eufemia Ippolito, and Ms. Nellina Basile for their initiatives regarding the twinning ceremony between BPW Kyrenia with BPW Gravina di Puglia, as well as to the clubs’ Presidents, Ms. Georgia Neophytou and Ms. Mariangela Aquila, President of BPW Gravina in Puglia. Also, special thanks to the Cyprus team of 19 people who followed BPW Kyrenia on their trip and supported the Twinning event.
The celebration and the hospitality we witnessed by our sisters from Puglia, showcased the meaningful connections between our communities. We are forever grateful to them. Heartfelt appreciation to the organizers, the BPW, and each of the participants for their invaluable contributions to achieving the success of the twinning event and the trip.
