Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus’ House legal affairs committee discussed a bill on Wednesday aimed at integrating gender equality into the executive, legislative and judicial elements of the public and broader public sector. Gender Equality Commissioner Josie Christodoulou said policies and legislation should consider their differing impacts on women and men.
Commissioner highlights policy impact and discrimination
Christodoulou said women and men have different needs and that lawmakers should take into account the different impact of every policy, action and bill on women and men. She said considering equality between women and men was necessary to eliminate gender-based discrimination and ensure legislation and policies are drafted accordingly.
Examples cited in support of the proposal
Christodoulou cited single parenting and the needs of women with disabilities as areas she said were crucial and would be addressed in the proposal submitted by House president Annita Demetriou. She also pointed to practices adopted by local government in Cyprus, including yellow parking spots designated for pregnant women and families with strollers.
The commissioner referred to other examples of incorporating a gender dimension into policy, including Vienna, where she said adequate lighting installed until late at night led to an increase in female employment in the municipality.
Lawmakers’ positions
Disy MP Fotini Tsiridou reiterated the call to include a gender dimension in future legislation and policies, saying this was crucial to achieve “substansive equality.” Elam MP Sotiris Ioannou said the proposals did not explain to him how women would be practically helped.
What impact do you think the bill should have on future legislation and policies in Cyprus?