BPW Cyprus Reaffirms Commitment to Equal Pay, Global Representation, and Women's Leadership
Nicosia, Cyprus — BPW Cyprus convened its Extraordinary Electoral Assembly, reaffirming its strategic priorities and ongoing commitment to advancing gender equality, strengthening women’s economic empowerment, and amplifying its voice both nationally and internationally.
Although the formal purpose of the Assembly was to fill a vacancy within the organization’s administrative structure, the central message was clear: strengthening women’s collective voice remains at the heart of BPW Cyprus.
BPW Cyprus identified Equal Pay for Work of Equal Value as its immediate priority for the coming months.
The organization highlighted that the gender pay gap in Cyprus has reached 12.2%, meaning women must work approximately 48 additional days per year to earn the same income as men for work of equal value.
BPW Cyprus announced intensified engagement between February 23–27 with the Executive and Legislative branches, as well as key institutional partners such as the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KEVE) and the Employers and Industrialists Federation (OEB).
The primary objective is to improve existing equal pay legislation, with a strong focus on: - Salary transparency - Eliminating structural barriers that hinder women’s economic advancement
BPW Cyprus emphasized the need to shift responsibility from employees to employers, calling for legislation that requires employers to proactively demonstrate compliance with equal pay standards.
The organization welcomed the adoption by the House of Representatives of Pay Transparency legislation (June 2024), which prohibits employers from requesting candidates’ salary history.
This long-standing recommendation by BPW Cyprus marks a critical step in breaking the cycle of wage discrimination. The organization now focuses on effective implementation and public awareness of the new law.
BPW Cyprus reiterated the need for comprehensive reforms, including: - Work-life balance and reconciliation of family and professional life - Social changes to ensure equal participation of men and women in both work and family - Elimination of stereotypes and biases - Career support measures for women - Promotion of women’s entrepreneurship - Combating undeclared work
For International Women’s Day, the organization will focus on increasing women’s participation in decision-making centers, emphasizing that presence alone is not enough—women must be part of leadership and decision-making processes.
At the international level, BPW Cyprus reaffirmed that its pursuit of Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is not merely procedural, but a strategic and diplomatic priority.
Securing this status will provide BPW Cyprus with a direct voice in global decision-making forums.
Despite ongoing political challenges, including opposition from Turkey, BPW Cyprus remains steadfast. The organization подчеркнула that persistence in this effort strengthens its international standing and ensures that the voice of Cypriot women entrepreneurs is heard.
Participation in Global Leadership Platforms
BPW Cyprus will participate in the BPW International Leaders Summit in New York, followed by engagement in the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70).
The President of BPW Cyprus will attend both as national leader and as an official representative of BPW International, providing a unique platform to highlight the perspectives and challenges of Cypriot women.
The Leaders Summit will serve as a global strategic forum, bringing together women leaders from around the world to coordinate efforts on economic justice and sustainable development.
Upon return, BPW Cyprus plans to host a dedicated briefing session to share insights, best practices, and international strategies with its members.
Upcoming Initiatives - Bicommunal Event (April 20, Ledra Palace, Nicosia): “Women Bridges: Connecting Economies, Building Peace” A landmark initiative demonstrating the role of women’s entrepreneurship in fostering cooperation and peace. - 8th BPW Mediterranean Symposium (November 21–22): Preparations are underway for the next regional gathering under the theme: “Mediterranean Horizon 2026 – Empower Women in the Era of Digital and Green Transition.”
BPW Cyprus concluded by emphasizing that its strength lies in unity, solidarity, and active participation. Beyond titles and positions, it is the voluntary contribution and dedication of each member that defines the organization.
“Leadership is not a title—it is a responsibility,” the statement noted, underscoring a collective commitment to invest time, energy, and passion in advancing a shared vision built over more than 30 years.
BPW Cyprus wished all participants success in the Assembly proceedings and reaffirmed its mission to drive meaningful change for women in Cyprus and beyond.