Filenews 3 December 2025 - by Despina Psyllou
Gender stereotypes are entrenched in Cypriot society, with our country ranking last in the EU. The most serious problem (54.7%) is found in the lack of free time for women, who are in charge of caring for the household as well as dependents, i.e. the elderly and children. Equally bad is the image of our country (13.6% – penultimate place) in the assumption of positions of power by women. There is also a gap in the field of knowledge, however, this time at the expense of men.
These data for 2025 were published today by the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE), which, despite the low ranking of Cyprus, emphasizes that there is an improvement in our country's score, such as in the health and work sectors.
Specifically, it is stated that, "Cyprus scores 47.6 points out of 100 in the Gender Equality Index and ranks last within the EU. This is due to low performance in the areas of time (27th), knowledge (26th) and power (26th). The Gender Equality Index score has increased by 5.1 points since 2015 and by 1.8 points since 2020. Cyprus increased its score mainly due to improvements in the health and labour sectors."
For her part, the Commissioner for Gender Equality, Josie Christodoulou, told "F" that the problem is recognized and that is why actions are being taken to mitigate stereotypes and change culture. "This is not a men's and women's competition. Our goal is equal representation away from stereotypes and prejudices."
Based on the data, the gender gap in our country amounts to 54.7%, in the field of (personal) time, which is associated with domestic work and care of dependents (e.g. children, the elderly), 44.6% in the field of knowledge and 13.6% in the field of power.
In the labour sector, despite the increase in the participation rate of women, which is the highest in the EU (86.3%), at the same time there is a segregation between male-dominated and female-dominated occupations (49.4%).
Women in the 30-34 age group, despite the fact that 73% complete tertiary education (the highest in the EU) compared to 56% for men, are not employed in fields related to their education.
"The above evidence shows that stereotypical roles of women and men, conscious and unconscious biases, continue to shape the choices of girls and boys, women and men," underlines the office of the Commissioner for Equality.
Cyprus' score and indicators
The improvement of Cyprus' score has been steadily recorded in recent years. Our country has increased by 5.1 points since 2015 and by 1.8 points since 2020. That is, from 42.5 in 2015 and 45.8 in 2020, it is rated 47.6 in 2025.
However, due to the fact that the new evaluation methodology adopted by the EIGE does not take into account the degree of progress of each country, Cyprus falls to 27th place among the EU member states. According to the Institute itself, the Commissioner's Office underlines, the new ranking is not comparable to older ones, due to the change in methodology that has been in force since 2013. The EIGE itself notes that "a drop in the score does not automatically mean that conditions are getting worse" and that "the comparison of old and new scores is misleading", precisely because the way of evaluation is now put on a new basis.
It is noted that each international organization that carries out an evaluation follows its own methodology and defines the specific criteria it includes. Other international indicators, which take into account the impact of policies and actions that promote equality between women and men, rank our country as follows:
– European Investment Bank Investment Survey 2025 – Criterion "Companies by percentage of women in senior roles, by country": Cyprus ranks second among EU member states, with a percentage of 42%.
– World Economic Forum Global Gender Gap 2025: Cyprus ranks 82nd out of 148 countries, up from 106th last year.
– Women Peace and Security 2025-26: Cyprus ranks 52nd out of 181 countries, compared to 63rd in the previous ranking.
Josie Christodoulou: There is no time for women
The absence of time by women, due to housework and caring for children and the elderly, was pointed out by the Commissioner for Equality. "Traditionally, women are entirely burdened by these tasks," she underlined, adding "women do not have the time to develop in other areas, and in particular to participate in decision-making centers."
This is also the reason, Ms. Christodoulou underlines, where the National Strategy aims to eliminate stereotypes.
Among other things, the Commissioner pointed out, are:
- The cooperation with the Ministry of Education
- Youth contact actions
- The "Minister for a day" initiative, so that girls in the second and third grades of high school take on a role in policy-making
- STEM courses are promoted
- Actions for women in Shipping and Diplomacy
In addition, Ms. Christodoulou said, actions are being taken to reconcile family and professional life, which focus on the accessibility of structures such as nurseries and nursing homes.
In addition, Ms. Christodoulou underlined, as a continuation of a European directive and after public consultation, a bill was prepared that will soon be submitted to the Parliament for the "Balanced Representation in the Boards of Directors of Listed Companies. We recognize the gaps and continue the work to deconstruct them," concluded Ms. Christodoulou.
