Allegations of gender-based violence, harassment, and unequal treatment of women in sports were brought to the attention of the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights during its Monday session. Deputy Committee Chair Georgios Koukoumas announced that Parliament would send a letter to the Cyprus Sports Organization (KOA) requesting statistical data on the benefits provided to male and female athletes.

The issue was discussed on the initiative of MPs Georgios Koukoumas, Rita Theodorou Superman, Christos Senekis, and Alexandra Attalidou. AKEL MP Koukoumas noted that while a 2023 law obliges KOA to ensure gender equality in sports, mere condemnation of incidents is insufficient—proper investigative and oversight mechanisms are needed. He also referenced multiple complaints from female footballers regarding discriminatory treatment.

DISY MP Rita Theodorou Superman emphasized the need to foster healthy sports, starting from childhood. She acknowledged progress in preventing discrimination, citing committees on gender equality and codes of practice already in place. However, she underscored the persistence of stereotypes and stressed the importance of including more women in sports leadership.

VOLT MP Alexandra Attalidou described gender-based violence and sexual abuse in sports as a “grim reality” that cannot be ignored. She pointed out that imbalances in power and a lack of transparency help such behavior flourish and called for strict protective measures.

Representing KOA, Ioanna Paraskevopoulou conceded the need for a stronger sports policy and more binding ethics codes. Koukoumas responded that KOA is in breach of the law if it fails to require sports federations to comply with gender equality provisions.

Stefani Wheeler of KOA added that although a code of conduct to address sexual abuse was submitted in early 2024, KOA took no definitive action. She noted that a proposed plan of action has been pending approval by the Ministry of Education for months.

Pancyprian Footballers Association (PASP) Executive President Spyros Neofytidis questioned the criteria allowing coaches without university degrees to work with minors. He also claimed four female footballers who lodged complaints were later excluded from the Women’s National Football Team. Meanwhile, a representative of the Cyprus Football Association (KOP) countered that some absences were due to injuries or personal choices.

Representing the Cyprus Basketball Federation (KOK), President Andreas Mouzouridis said a coach was suspended following a complaint. KOK has decided that women’s basketball teams traveling abroad will be accompanied by female coaches, in an effort to address concerns about harassment.

Takis Mirallais, President of the Basketball Coaches Association, stated that there is no regulatory framework enforcing compliance with decisions related to complaints in sports. Additionally, he referred to a complaint involving a suspected basketball coach, noting that a female player was pressured to withdraw her complaint to avoid being excluded from the Women's National Basketball Team.

Representatives of the Legal Service, the Ombudswoman’s Office, and academic experts all underscored the urgency of robust, enforceable frameworks to prevent and address harassment and unequal treatment. Proposals included a national certification system for coaches and the establishment of an independent body, separate from KOA, to handle complaints.

In closing, Koukoumas stressed the importance of concrete procedures and protocols for dealing with sexual abuse, pointing out that despite some progress, there remains much to be done to ensure true gender equality in Cypriot sports.