Cyprus Prepares Law to Include Gender Dimension in All Government Programs and Policies

The Council of Ministers of Cyprus approved a draft law aimed at integrating the gender dimension (gender mainstreaming) into all government structures, programs, and regulations. The initiative aims to ensure equal opportunities for men and women in the development and implementation of public policy.

The new law stipulates that all ministries and agencies must consider gender impact when planning, budgeting, and making decisions. This means that every project, legislative initiative, or government program must undergo assessment in terms of its impact on women and men, as well as on the level of gender balance in society.

The reform is part of Cyprus’ National Strategy for Gender Equality 2024–2026, which includes 64 target actions and 14 key areas. These include gender-responsive budgeting, increasing women’s participation in the economy and politics, combating gender stereotypes and violence, and creating a monitoring system for gender principles implementation at all levels of public administration.

Particular attention will be paid to strengthening the institutional framework. Each ministry will appoint an official responsible for implementing gender policy, and the Directorate for Equality and the Commissioner for Gender Equality will receive expanded powers to monitor the implementation of the new standards.

Gender Equality Commissioner Josie Christodoulou stated that this initiative “will be an important step toward the real integration of equality principles in all spheres of public life.” According to her, Cyprus must reach a new level in fulfilling international commitments on equal rights, not just make declarations.

Experts note that despite existing legal frameworks, the country still faces a number of systemic challenges — particularly a lack of statistical data for analyzing gender impact and weak coordination between agencies. Nevertheless, the adoption of the law will send an important signal that Cyprus is ready to move from political statements to concrete action.