The pathway to sustainable development is through investing in women’s rights, Commissioner for Gender Equality, Josie Christodoulou, said, noting that “we must not see gender equality as another problem to be solved but as the solution to many challenges and problems the world is facing.”

Addressing the UNECE Meeting on the Beijing+30 Regional Review Meeting taking place 21 and 22 October in Geneva, Christodoulou said that next year will mark the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

She noted that although there was positive progress made since, the global community is falling short from achieving substantial gender equality by 2030, saying that “progress is slow, while backlashes on women’s and girl’s rights across the world are persisting.”

Christodoulou stated that the pathway to sustainable development is through investing in women’s rights, stressing that “we must not see gender equality as another problem to be solved but as the solution to many challenges and problems the world is facing. It is our common responsibility to recognise and promote the human rights of all women and girls.”

Referring to the actions and efforts undertaken by the Republic of Cyprus to achieve gender equality and the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women and girls, Christodoulou noted that “Cyprus’ recent election to the Human Rights Council and the fact that gender equality and women’s rights is amongst our priorities speaks volumes and is a solid proof of our commitment.”

She also added that Cyprus has adopted a comprehensive policy on gender equality, in accordance with the provisions of the international framework on gender equality including the Beijing Platform for Action, the CEDAW convention as well as the 2030 SDG Agenda.

She pointed out that within this framework, Cyprus Government has set gender mainstreaming in public policies and actions, including in state budget, as a horizontal priority, so to create a gender-responsive political, economic, and social framework.

Finally, she said that as the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action approaches, “it is more crucial than ever to reflect on its principles and values, assess our progress and our shared commitments for gender equality and the advancement of all women and girls.”