To mark International Women’s Day this year, UNFICYP held a discussion with more than 30 young Cypriots from across the island to hear their views on issues related to women and youth agency and empowerment, the impact of COVID-19 on the lives of young people, and opportunities to build back better for an inclusive and equal future for all.

“We are marking the day during a very unfortunate time globally, and within a particularly troubling context for gender equality, however I am happy to be celebrating this International Women’s Day specifically in a platform that allows for young people to discuss, deliberate and share their visions not only for a gender equal future, but for the future of their island,” stated the Special Representative of the Secretary General, Ms. Elizabeth Spehar.

This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world.” The theme celebrates the tremendous efforts by women and girls around the world in shaping a more equal future and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.