A new commemorative album titled “Leading the Way: Cypriot Women Who Inspire” offers a rare, personal look at 162 women holding key positions across Cyprus. Launched by the Employers and Industrialists Federation (OEB) to mark its 65th anniversary, the publication—produced in collaboration with the Gender Equality Commissioner—aims to highlight the women shaping the country’s political and institutional landscape in early 2025.
Beyond their professional titles, the album reveals “innocent secrets” and the personal philosophies of these leaders, ranging from their greatest fears to the historical figures who inspire them.
Personal Portraits: Ambitions and Aspirations
The album features a diverse array of leaders, from the First Lady to party presidents and ministers. Here are some of the key takeaways from their personal profiles:
Philippa Karsera Christodoulides (First Lady & Diplomat): Does not believe in perfection but finds happiness in family support. She views her greatest achievement as being a mother. Her motto, inspired by Nikos Kazantzakis, emphasizes individual responsibility: “I alone have the duty to save the earth.”
Annita Demetriou (President of the Parliament & DISY President): Aspires to leave behind a better world and fears losing hope. On a lighter note, she admits she would like more time for loved ones and “20 extra centimetres in height.” Her professional strength lies in her ability to truly listen to citizens.
Savia Orphanidou (DISY MP): Finds absolute happiness in her daughter’s safety and considers raising her as a single mother her greatest achievement. She identifies with Glafcos Clerides for his commitment to universal principles.
Marina Nikolaou (AKEL MP): Fears war and its root causes above all else. She takes pride in her missions to Palestine and the “Right to be Forgotten” legislation for cancer survivors. She is inspired by Nikos Belogiannis.
Christiana Erotokritou (DIKO MP): Views impatience as a virtue, calling it “the greatest motivation.” She identifies with Otto von Bismarck and lives by Winston Churchill’s belief that “continuous effort is the key to unlocking potential.”
Maria Stylianou-Lottides (Ombudswoman): Fears the lack of control resulting from technology and globalisation. She values kindness above all and identifies with Simone de Beauvoir.
Vasiliki Kassianidou (Deputy Minister of Culture): Treasures traveling and learning about new cultures. She admits she would like to change her attitude toward exercise and admires the historical figure Cleopatra.
A Strategic Partnership for Equality
The launch of the album is part of a broader Memorandum of Cooperation between OEB and the Gender Equality Commissioner, Josie Christodoulou. This strategic “road map” includes six specific actions designed to:
Promote Gender Equality: Moving from theoretical commitment to daily practice within the business culture.
Empower Professional Growth: Cultivating leadership skills and expanding opportunities for women in decision-making roles.
Deconstruct Stereotypes: Providing contemporary role models for younger generations.
International Reach: The album is published in English to be shared during the upcoming Cyprus Presidency of the EU Council, showcasing the country’s progress in gender equality.
“Equality is not just a matter of rights, but a prerequisite for sustainable growth and social cohesion,” noted Commissioner Josie Christodoulou.
OEB President George Pantelides emphasized that the organization aims to create a meritocratic environment where “every woman and man has equal opportunities to develop, innovate, and lead.”
