Women remain underrepresented in politics and leadership positions, in some parts of the world, they lack access to education, while in others, they are victims of violence and social oppression, facing patriarchal stereotypes, House Speaker Annita Demetriou stressed here today, indicating that more needs to be done towards changing mindsets and advancing appropriate legislations and policies. Annita Demetriou was today the key note speaker at the 38th World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) World Conference hosted by Girl Guides Association of Cyprus in Nicosia. More than 400 participants from 106 WAGGGS member organisations attend the Conference that take place at the European University of Cyprus. In her speech, Hpouse Speaker said that she is deeply honoured and proud that this significant event is taking place right here in Cyprus for the first time in the Association's long history, and congratulated for this the Girl Guides Association of Cyprus for their meticulous organization and warm hospitality in hosting this remarkable gathering. Annita Demetriou stressed that as soon as she assumed office, the issues, concerning women, gender equality and the eradication of gender stereotypes, became a priority on her agenda and remined the adoption of a law amendment that recognizes "femicide" as a criminal offence per se in a wider effort to ensure the effective implementation of the Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence. 'We have also worked towards legislations that criminalize sexism, harassment and stalking,' she added, noting that even beyond the borders of Cyprus, the House of Representatives passed a resolution in solidarity with women in Iran, standing with them in their fight for equality and justice. She added that following the appalling events in Ukraine, the Women Speakers of Parliaments of the European Union, met in Warsaw in April 2022 where we explored ways to provide meaningful assistance to refugee women and children from Ukraine, reminding that on this perspective she has personally proposed that in the context of Parliamentary diplomacy the meetings of Women Speakers of Parliaments of the European Union should be established on a regular basis to continue raising awareness on the issues of gender inequality, institutional culture and the way in which women are portrayed publicly. Demetriou also stressed that the importance of women's voluntary movements and their pivotal role in women's empowerment cannot be overstated and indicated that this is the driving force in challenging societal norms, dismantling gender-based discrimination and advancing the rights of women worldwide. She therefore congratulated the exceptional work and achievements of the World Association of Girls Guides Association and Girl Scouts and its Member Organisations and its Member Organizations for have been so firmly committed to women empowerment, to education and to leadership development. The House President reiterated that under her presidency, the House of Representatives of Cyprus and she personally will stand by women. Quoting Sandra O'Connor, who said, "As women achieve power, the barriers will start to fall. As society sees what women can do, as women see what women can do, there will be more women out there doing things, and we'll all be better off for it", House Speaker noted that despite the significant progress achieved, there is still a long way to go as women remain underrepresented in politics and leadership positions and in some parts of the world, they lack access to education, while in others, they are victims of violence and social oppression, facing patriarchal stereotypes. In this framework she reiterated that there is need for more action, more voices and more support for the efforts to change mindsets and to advance legislations and policies. 'Dear women of the world, the future will be truly ours, when we collectively work towards shaping it. No significant change can be achieved without the collaboration, cooperation, and collective action of individuals, communities and organisations,' she said.

Source: Cyprus News Agency