Strovolos Municipality Leads the Way in Gender Equality Initiatives
In a recent commendation, Gender Equality Commissioner Josie Christooulou acknowledged the strides made by the Strovolos municipality in promoting gender equality. The municipality has successfully implemented four out of five key actions from an annual action plan designed to enhance gender equality across Cyprus.
Among the progressive measures taken, three actions focused on improving municipal facilities. The Strovolos town hall and municipal theatre now boast a dedicated breastfeeding and pumping room for new mothers, family-friendly parking spaces for those with pushchairs, and baby changing stations accessible in both male and female restrooms. These enhancements are not merely symbolic; they are practical steps towards fostering a culture where equality between women and men is the norm.
The fourth action involved comprehensive training for municipal workers on gender equality issues, ensuring that gender considerations are woven into policy planning. Mayor Andreas Papacharalambous highlighted that the breastfeeding and pumping room is equipped with a specialized chair, a changing table, refrigerators for breast milk, and a pumping machine, catering to the needs of new mothers who are municipal employees or visitors.
Papacharalambous expressed his commitment to changing attitudes and promoting inclusivity through these initiatives. He aspires for Strovolos to serve as a model for other municipalities. Echoing his sentiments, Christooulou reinforced that gender equality is not only a governmental priority but also a matter of common sense and empathy. She emphasized the ongoing cooperation between her office and various authorities to integrate gender equality into everyday life.
The progressive actions taken by the Strovolos municipality reflect a broader movement towards gender equality in Cyprus, with the hope that such initiatives will inspire similar changes throughout the island.
