Cyprus struggles with workplace gender equality, ranking second-worst in the EU with a score of 14.62 out of 50, highlighting low female representation in parliament and corporate boards, alongside a 6.08% gender pay gap. Urgent efforts are needed to bridge the gender gap and improve equality across all sectors in Cyprus.
What is the state of workplace gender equality in Cyprus?
Cyprus ranks as the second-worst among EU member states for workplace gender equality, with a score of 14.62 out of 50. Key issues include low female representation in parliament (14.3%) and corporate boards (less than 10%), alongside a 6.08% gender pay gap. Efforts are needed to improve gender parity across all sectors in Cyprus.
The State of Gender Equality in Cyprus
In the landscape of European Union member states, Cyprus stands out for a less commendable reason—a glaring disparity in workplace gender equality. A recent survey has placed Cyprus at a concerning position, ranking it as the second-worst in the EU. With a gender-equal workplace score of only 14.62 out of 50, Cyprus trails just above Hungary, spotlighting an area that needs urgent attention and improvement.
The survey, which assessed five key parameters, unveils a snapshot of the gender imbalance within the Cypriot work environment. It evaluated the representation of women in national parliaments and governments, the presence of female board members and executives, and the differences in median income between the genders. The findings are sobering, with Cyprus having only eight female MPs, or 14.3% of its parliamentary seats—a figure that barely surpasses Hungary’s and is significantly lower than Romania’s 19.4%.
Female Representation in Governance and Business
The proportion of women in governmental roles provides a slightly brighter perspective, with Cyprus ranking 20th in the EU. Women make up 25% of Cyprus’s government members, which outperforms countries such as Greece, Poland, and Malta. Yet, this is overshadowed by the stark contrast in corporate boardrooms, where Cyprus has the lowest proportion of female board members in the EU, with less than 10% being women.
In contrast, when looking at female executives, the island nation reaches the middle of the EU rankings. With 21.1% of executive positions filled by women, Cyprus stands ahead of Greece, Estonia, Spain, Italy, and Luxembourg. While this shows progress in some areas, it also highlights the uneven distribution of gender equality across different sectors.
Economic Disparities and Comparisons
When it comes to the gender pay gap, Cyprus ranks joint 18th with Sweden, demonstrating a 6.08% difference in median annual incomes between genders. While men earn an average of €18,399 per year, women earn €17,344, which is a smaller gap than found in Finland, Italy, and the Baltic states.
Looking toward the top of the EU gender equality scale, Sweden boasts the highest proportion of female MPs at 46.6%. Finland leads with 72.4% of its cabinet members being female—a stark contrast to Cyprus’s figures. A few countries, including Belgium and the Netherlands, have more female than male cabinet members, and France achieves a perfect gender balance in its government.
A European Perspective on Gender Equality
The broader European context shows mixed results, with some nations making significant strides in gender equality in the workplace. France, for instance, has the highest share of female board members at 46.1%, and Lithuania leads with the highest share of female executives at 29.3%. Portugal is an exemplary case where women’s median income exceeds that of men, setting a benchmark for other EU states.
In terms of overall scores for workplace gender equality, Finland sets the benchmark with a score of 36.86 out of 50, followed closely by Portugal and France. These figures reflect the varying levels of progress among EU member states, and they serve as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to achieve genuine gender parity across Europe.
The ongoing conversation about workplace gender equality is critical, not just within the borders of Cyprus but throughout the European Union. The survey’s findings are a call to action for policymakers, business leaders, and society as a whole to bolster efforts in creating a more balanced, fair, and inclusive work environment for all genders.
What is the state of workplace gender equality in Cyprus?
Cyprus ranks as the second-worst among EU member states for workplace gender equality, with a score of 14.62 out of 50. Key issues include low female representation in parliament (14.3%) and corporate boards (less than 10%), alongside a 6.08% gender pay gap. Efforts are needed to improve gender parity across all sectors in Cyprus.
How does Cyprus compare to other EU countries in terms of gender equality in governance and business?
Cyprus ranks 20th in the EU for female representation in government, with women making up 25% of government members. However, Cyprus has the lowest proportion of female board members in the EU, with less than 10% being women. In terms of female executives, Cyprus ranks in the middle, with 21.1% of executive positions filled by women.
What is the gender pay gap like in Cyprus compared to other EU countries?
Cyprus ranks joint 18th with Sweden in terms of the gender pay gap, demonstrating a 6.08% difference in median annual incomes between genders. Men earn an average of €18,399 per year, while women earn €17,344 per year. This pay gap is smaller than in countries like Finland, Italy, and the Baltic states.
How does Cyprus compare to other EU countries overall in terms of workplace gender equality?
In the broader European context, Cyprus ranks as the second-worst for workplace gender equality in the EU. Countries like Finland, Portugal, and France lead the way with higher scores and better gender parity. The findings from the survey highlight the varying levels of progress among EU member states and the need for continued efforts to achieve genuine gender equality across Europe.
