Cyprus stays comparatively low within the EU’s Gender Equality Index rankings

Cyprus stays comparatively low within the rankings of the EU’s Gender Equality Index and this means the need to enhance girls’s illustration in politics, management and decision-making positions.

That is what President of the Home of Representatives Annita Demetriou informed members on Friday on the “Orange the World” marketing campaign aiming to boost consciousness on violence in opposition to girls.

The occasion which befell within the Home of Representatives was attended by present and former members of parliament, girls members of the diplomatic corps in Cyprus, girls officers and representatives of ladies`s organizations.

“It’s time to speak brazenly and to be proactive on the problem of gender-based violence,” she stated.

“On this respect, the initiative ‘Orange the World’ is a superb alternative to boost consciousness, to mobilise society and stakeholders to take a stance in opposition to such deplorable phenomena that must be eradicated from our society,” she added.

The Home of Representatives has been concerned in particular initiatives and actions within the context of promotion of gender equality and the safety of ladies’s rights, she additionally stated.

Stressing that necessary steps have been taken within the legislative area, she added that she was among the many MPs who tabled the legislative proposal that led, in 2020, to the passage of the Legislation on Combating Sexism and Sexist Behaviour. This criminalises sexist acts in addition to on-line sexism.

In Spring 2021, two extra and really vital legislative acts have been promulgated – the Legislation on the Safety from Harassment and Stalking.

This establishes a complete framework in civil and felony legislation relating to the stated phenomena of harassment and stalking.

Secondly, the Legislation on the Prevention and Combating of Violence in opposition to Ladies and of Home Violence that harmonises Cyprus with the provisions of the Istanbul Conference.

The Legislation addresses offences of a large nature together with bodily, psychological and monetary violence, in addition to the dissemination of sexual and pornographic materials.

What’s extra, the Legislation goals at performing preventively and focuses on schooling, coaching and awareness-raising amongst professionals.

(CNA)