Single parents face an increased risk of poverty stressed Gender Equality Commissioner Josie Christodoulou.
The Commissioner was speaking during an exhibition on gendered poverty organised by Frederick University and the Pancyprian Association of Single-Parent Families and Friends which shed light on the challenges faced by single parents, with women making up 50% and men 32% of those at risk of poverty or social exclusion.
In her address, Christodoulou emphasised that this exhibition serves as a platform to highlight aspects related to gender inequalities and social phenomena affecting Cypriot society. She pointed out that women’s lives are affected by discrimination and stereotypical perceptions.
Argentoula Ioannou, President of the Pancyprian Association of Single-Parent Families and Friends, and Natassa Frederickou, President of the Council of Frederick University, also welcomed the exhibition.
Ioannou stressed that poverty, while affecting both genders, disproportionately impacts women due to the unique challenges they face. “Women often have limited access to education in many parts of the world, which affects their future prospects,” she said.
Ioannou noted that women occupy fewer high-paying job positions, bear the brunt of unpaid caregiving responsibilities throughout their lives, and face the greatest impact of cuts in social welfare services. Furthermore, they make up the majority of elderly people living in poverty, which has significant implications for their savings and pensions.
On her part, Frederickou highlighted the disadvantaged position of women in the field of education, where many girls have limited access to quality schooling, resulting in long-term consequences for their lives.
She emphasised that women occupy fewer high-paying job positions, bear the brunt of unpaid caregiving responsibilities throughout their lives, and face the greatest impact of cuts in social welfare services.
She also pointed out that poverty makes women more vulnerable to violence, as they often lack financial independence, making it difficult for them to leave abusive relationships.
