The Cypriot government is extending maternity leave from 18 to 22 weeks and introducing an eight-week paid paternity leave, aiming to support parents in balancing work and family life, while promoting gender equality and empowering women. President Nikos Christodoulides highlighted the government’s efforts to create a more accommodating environment for women, increase gender diversity in decision-making processes, and address violence against women, including signing a memorandum of understanding with the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry to promote gender equality within the business community.
What changes are being made to maternity and paternity leave in Cyprus?
The Cypriot government is set to extend maternity leave from 18 to 22 weeks and introduce an eight-week paid paternity leave. This initiative, confirmed by President Nikos Christodoulides, aims to support parents in balancing their professional and personal lives, while promoting gender equality and economic empowerment of women.
Government’s Initiative on Parental Leave
The Cypriot government has embarked on a course to extend the duration of both maternity and paternity leaves, President Nikos Christodoulides confirmed while addressing participants at the 6th BPW Mediterranean Symposium. The event, which cast a spotlight on the economic empowerment of women, heard that maternity leave may soon be lengthened from 18 to 22 weeks. Fathers are also set to benefit with the introduction of an eight-week paid paternity leave.
Balancing Professional and Personal Lives
In Christodoulides’ speech, he put an emphasis on creating a more accommodating environment for women to balance their professional and family commitments. This initiative is spearheaded by the deputy ministry for social welfare, focusing on developing childcare facilities and services for the elderly. The President, a father to four daughters, acknowledged the disparities in active, fair, and equal opportunities, and he expressed his commitment to counteracting the negative stereotypes and limitations imposed on women.
Women in Leadership
Highlighting the discrepancy of women in leadership roles, the President underscored the importance of gender diversity in decision-making processes. He proudly mentioned his administration’s effort, which has seen women occupy 44% of governmental positions—a record high since 1960 in Cyprus and one of the highest in the EU. Christodoulides expressed his ambition to reach an equal gender representation in government by 2024.
Policy Framework for Gender Equality
The symposium was also a platform for the President to outline his governance program, which includes a suite of policies aiming at bridging the gender gap. These policies involve assuring quality education and equal access to resources in health and employment.
Addressing Violence and Promoting Gender Equality
Christodoulides spoke on measures to prevent violence against women and girls and to protect victims, including those of domestic violence. To bolster efforts in promoting gender equality within the business community, the Office of the Commissioner on Gender Equality has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
New Roles for Gender Equality
In a significant move, the President announced the prospective appointment of an Ambassador for Gender Equality. This proposal follows the European Union model and is intended to reinforce Cyprus’s commitment to gender equality on an international stage. Further strengthening the cause, the role of the Gender Equality Commissioner will be elevated. The President also referenced the development of a new strategy for Gender Equality for the years 2024-2026, in collaboration with all ministries and deputy ministries, each of which has designated a focal point for Gender Equality.
Quick Recap
- The Cypriot government is extending maternity leave from 18 to 22 weeks and introducing an eight-week paid paternity leave.
- These changes aim to support parents in balancing work and family life, promote gender equality, and empower women.
- President Nikos Christodoulides highlighted the government’s efforts to create a more accommodating environment for women, increase gender diversity in decision-making processes, and address violence against women.
- The government is focused on developing childcare facilities and services for the elderly to help women balance their professional and family commitments.
- The President expressed his commitment to counteracting negative stereotypes and limitations imposed on women, and his ambition to reach equal gender representation in government by 2024.
