Statement by the Commissioner for Gender Equality, Ms Josie Christodoulou, following the enactment of the “Commissioner for Gender Equality and Related Matters Law of 2024” by the House of Representatives

Today’s enactment of the “Commissioner for Gender Equality and Related Matters Law of 2024” by the House of Representatives is hailed as a milestone in the multi-level effort in cooperation with the various Ministries and Deputy Ministries, social partners and the broader civil society, with a view to achieving complete and substantial equality between women and men. The Law of the Commissioner for Gender Equality also marks the continuation of the efforts by the National Machinery for Women’s Rights (NMWR) to promote women’s rights.

The Law establishes the Commissioner for Gender Equality and defines her/his role and responsibilities, including the formulation, coordination and evaluation of the implementation of the National Strategy for Gender Equality in cooperation with the Ministries and Deputy Ministries. As of today, we have another very important tool at our disposal for successfully mainstreaming gender with the aim of establishing gender equality in all aspects of life. The new Law also regulates the role of Gender Equality Officers in Ministries and Deputy Ministries and defines their contribution in applying gender mainstreaming in public policies.

At the same time, the Law institutionalises the NMWR and regulates its mode of operation and collaboration with the Office of the Commissioner for Gender Equality. The NMWR has evolved out of the Central Body for Women which was established in 1989, as well as the Advisory Body that was formed with the same name in 1994, following a relevant decision of the Council of Ministers.

The upgrading of the Gender Equality Commissioner is a priority of the President of the Republic and his administration. The Law passed today by the House of Representatives is the culmination of efforts to embed a culture of gender equality, which is why I express my satisfaction.

Finally, I would like to thank the Ministry of Justice and Public Order, the Law Commissioner, the NMWR and the Chairman and Members of the Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs, Justice and Public Order, for their impeccable cooperation and substantial contribution, which resulted in the enactment of this extremely important Law.

(AA/AP/MS)

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