On 30 June, UNFICYP hosted an intercommunal event at Ledra Palace, bringing together women from across the island for a dialogue focused on the often-unacknowledged burdens of caregiving, professional life, and household management.
The session, titled “Invisible loads, visible strength,” was designed to foster solidarity and mutual support among participants, while addressing the psychosocial and professional challenges that disproportionately affect women.
The initiative forms part of UNFICYP’s broader commitment to promoting gender equality, women’s empowerment, and confidence-building between communities in Cyprus.
Dr. Eliz Volkan, Associate Professor, Clinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist, delivered a presentation on the “invisible load”, the cumulative mental labour associated with managing family and career responsibilities.
Citing research indicating that women perform up to 71 per cent of such tasks, with the highest burden occurring between the ages of 35 and 54, Dr. Volkan noted that this period often coincides with perimenopause, during which hormonal changes may compound stress.
“Every time you switch between tasks, your brain leaves a little 'attentional residue' behind,” she explained, underscoring that such disparities stem from societal norms that can be reshaped through collective action.
Alexia Nissiforou, Art Psychotherapist and artist, facilitated a workshop entitled “Creativity through Perimenopause and Beyond,” which utilized creative expression as a tool for self-care and psychological resilience. She emphasized that self-care should be understood not as indulgence, but as an essential component of well-being.
Mahi Solomou, certified Menopause Champion, and Board Member of AIPFE Cyprus–Women of Europe, addressed the professional implications of menopause, noting that estrogen depletion can produce symptoms such as cognitive fog and anxiety.
She highlighted that one in four women have considered leaving their jobs owing to menopausal symptoms, while stressing that such challenges are manageable through workplace accommodations, including flexible working arrangements and peer support networks.
The event concluded with a networking reception, offering participants an opportunity to continue exchanges in an informal setting. Attendees were encouraged to view small acts of support as foundational to broader social change.
UNFICYP remains actively engaged in facilitating dialogue and cooperation among Cypriot women, supporting initiatives that strengthen trust, foster inclusive participation, and contribute to a more peaceful and cohesive society. Through such engagements, the Mission continues to advance meaningful connections that transcend communal divides and reinforce the resilience of women across Cyprus.
