Cyprus has risen to 20th place among the 27 EU Member States in the Gender Equality Index 2024 of the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE), up from 21st in 2023. Commissioner for Gender Equality, Josie Christodoulou, emphasized the commitment to accelerating progress towards gender equality, reducing gender gaps across all sectors, and fostering a culture of equality between women and men.

According to a press release from the Commissioner’s Office, the report reflects steady progress in gender equality in Cyprus, corroborated by other international assessments. For example, the World Economic Forum upgraded Cyprus to 86th place in 2024 from 106th in 2023, while the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals 2030 report ranks Cyprus 39th out of 139 countries.

The report highlights significant progress in the domains of work—ensuring equal access to employment and favorable working conditions—and money, which includes access to financial resources and economic stability.

However, the area of power—which measures participation in political, economic, and social decision-making processes—remains a challenge. The highest representation of women is noted in the Council of Ministers, but their participation is notably low in the House of Representatives, local administration, and on the boards of major companies, public broadcasters, and sports organizations.