With many people continuing to shelter at home, UNFICYP joined hands with women’s rights activists in Cyprus to underline the dangers of the shadow pandemic; domestic violence.

Beyond the health risks, the outbreak is putting many women at risk who may be forced to remain at home with their abusers. They play a disproportionate role in care-taking responsibilities, an often-undervalued contribution that has become even more pronounced and integral to the global #Covid-19 response.

Speaking at an NGO event organized by UNFICYP’s civil affairs section, Gender Affairs Officer, Lauren McAlister highlighted the importance of embedding gender dimensions within response plans to ensure gender perspectives are properly addressed.

Mine Atli representing the Association of Women to Support Living (KAYAD), and Susana Pavlou, from the Mediterranean Institute of Gender Studies (MIGS), emphasized the importance of prioritizing services to prevent and respond to gender-based violence in communities affected by COVID-19 and the importance of taking action in Cyprus and globally to eliminate violence against women in the context of the current health crisis.

The NGO Networking Group was established by #UNFICYP in 2017 to assist NGOs, academics and various interest groups an opportunity to come together, share their views, exchange ideas and assist one another on issues of mutual interest as well as to keep abreast of developments and the activities of civil society.  Since the advent of #COVID19 pandemic regular meetings have been held virtually, on line in response to the current crisis.

Stay tuned with UNFICYP’s social media platforms for more stories from Cypriot women on how they are experiencing the Covid-19 pandemic.