The Department of Labour Relations of the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance on Thursday organised an awards ceremony honouring businesses and organisations certified in 2025 by the National Certification Body for the Implementation of Good Practices on Gender Equality in the Workplace. The awards were presented by the Minister of Labour and Social Insurance, Marinos Mousiouttas.

According to an official announcement, in his address the Minister referred to the rapid changes in the world of work driven by new technologies, labour shortages and the evolving needs of employees, which make the adaptation of human resource management policies necessary. He further underlined that the institution of the National Certification Body has been embraced by the business community, as the integration of gender equality strengthens productivity, innovation and decision-making. He also reaffirmed the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance’s commitment to continue supporting businesses that adopt good practices.

As stated, the National Certification Body was established by a decision of the Council of Ministers and operates under the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance. Its Board includes, in addition to the Department of Labour Relations, the Gender Equality Commissioner, representatives of employer organisations OEB and KEVE, as well as representatives of the trade union organisations SEK, PEO and DEOK.

The Certification Body awards certification to businesses and organisations that have succeeded in fostering a culture of gender equality in their working environment by adopting non-discriminatory human resource management procedures. These procedures include recruitment and promotion, training and development, performance evaluation, pay policy, work–life balance policies, as well as practices such as the appointment of a Gender Equality Officer and/or Committee and the adoption of a code for the prevention and handling of harassment and sexual harassment.

According to the Certification Model, the “Equality Employer” certification is awarded to businesses and organisations that implement a comprehensive system for promoting gender equality in the workplace, covering the full spectrum of human resource management policies and procedures. The “Good Practice” or “Good Practices” certification is awarded for the implementation of one or more specific good practices.

The companies awarded the “Equality Employer” certification are:

1. Cyprus Telecommunications Authority

2. CTC Group of Companies

3. Cyprus University of Technology

4. Grant Thornton (Cyprus) Limited

The “Good Practices” certification was awarded to:

1. Areti Charidemou & Associates Ltd

2. A&A K. Aemilianidis, K. Katsaros & Associates Ltd

3. Patrikios Pavlou & Associates Ltd

4. European University Cyprus

5. Joannides + Co Limited

6. Stando Ltd