Parliament approves landmark legislation
The House of Representatives has approved the “Gender Equality Integration Law 2025,” establishing a comprehensive framework for integrating gender equality into the operations of the public and broader public sector for the first time. The bill passed with 28 votes in favour, while three lawmakers abstained.
Key provisions and oversight
The law mandates that authorities consider the different impacts of policies and actions on men and women during planning, implementation, and evaluation. Annual reports prepared by the Commissioner for Gender Equality will now be submitted to the relevant parliamentary committee, enhancing oversight. Additionally, general authorisation for issuing decrees was removed, ensuring related regulations are issued via formal statutory procedures.
Political perspectives and debates
Several lawmakers expressed concerns about the practical implementation of the law. ELAM MP Sotiris Ioannou questioned whether the legislation would achieve substantive equality, calling some provisions symbolic and noting the use of non-mandatory terms such as “may.” Nicosia MP Alexandra Attalidou highlighted the law’s alignment with EU practices but noted gaps, stressing the need for mandatory application of gender integration.
DIKO MP Pavlos Mylonas raised questions about the Commissioner for Gender Equality’s role, the scope of responsibilities, and the authority for policy setting, emphasising that policymaking is an executive function. Other MPs, including members of the Greens and AKEL, stressed the importance of practical evaluation of gender impacts and called for measures addressing systemic inequalities affecting women.
Towards effective gender equality
Parliament President Annita Demetriou noted that ongoing proposals aim to focus on strengthening equality between men and women. Lawmakers underlined that the goal of the legislation should be to implement legally backed, practical measures promoting real progress, avoiding ideological disputes or diversion into debates on the definition or number of genders.
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