BPW International Leaders' Summit in New York
“Your Voice Matters”
New York · USA
BPW Cyprus joined more than 100 representatives from around the world at the BPW International Leaders' Summit in New York, championing the "Your Voice Matters" campaign and women's leadership.
Strong Presence of BPW Cyprus at the BPW International Leaders' Summit in New York
NEW YORK – With the participation of more than 100 representatives from countries around the world, the BPW International Leaders' Summit concluded, with Cyprus making a dynamic presence.
The Cypriot delegation, consisting of BPW Cyprus President Mary Papadopoulou, BPW Cyprus Executive Secretary Zoe Louvieri, Vice President of BPW Kyrenia Konstantina Constantinou, and member Chrystalla Sokratous, actively participated in the proceedings of the Summit, bringing the voice of Cypriot professional women to the global decision-making centre.
"Your Voice Matters": A Global Campaign with a Cypriot Signature
A central pillar of the discussions was the joint campaign "Your Voice Matters." This initiative highlights the urgent need for every woman's voice not to be merely a symbolic presence, but to translate into meaningful influence on political and economic developments. The Cypriot delegation contributed to the design of actions aimed at strengthening women's leadership at both local and international levels.
Concern Over "Backsliding" on Women's Issues
Despite progress, the Summit expressed strong concern over the now visible "backsliding" on women's issues. Recent crises—wars, pandemics, and the climate crisis—have exposed serious weaknesses in global coordination. As emphasised by the delegation:
“Progress in women's rights is never guaranteed. It requires constant pressure and vigilance, as backlash is inevitable if complacency is allowed to prevail.”
During the proceedings in New York, three key points were highlighted: meaningful participation, with young people, women leaders, and grassroots organizations demanding real involvement in decision-making rather than symbolic representation; resilience in the face of crises, with global mechanisms strengthened so that women's rights are not sacrificed in times of crisis; and continuous action, with equality requiring daily advocacy to counter social and political pressures that seek a return to outdated stereotypes.
The participation of President Mary Papadopoulou and the delegation members reaffirms BPW Cyprus' commitment to remaining at the forefront of the global effort for a fair and inclusive society, bringing the knowledge and messages of the Summit back to our country.
Highlights
- Meaningful Participation: Young people, women leaders, and grassroots organizations demand real involvement in decision-making processes—not merely symbolic representation.
- Resilience in the Face of Crises: Global mechanisms must be strengthened to ensure that women's rights are not sacrificed during times of crisis.
- Continuous Action: Equality requires daily advocacy to counter social and political pressures that seek a return to outdated stereotypes.
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