The women of Cyprus celebrate March 8th, International Women’s Day, by sending a fighting message for Reunification – Equality – Solidarity. We send a special message of solidarity and support to the people of Turkey, Syria and Greece, as well as to the families of our compatriots who lost their loved ones in the ruins caused by the devastating earthquake and the railway tragedy, sacrificing their lives on the altar of corporate profits and governmental incompetence.
On this important day we honor the pioneering women workers who in 1857 resisted oppression, exploitation and inhumane working conditions. We honor all those who, through their struggles, are today a symbol of struggle for the global women’s and trade union movement. The messages of their struggles remain alive and relevant and guide our own daily struggles to improve conditions so that every woman and every person, as well as LGBTI+ people, can live, work and create in a peaceful environment without discrimination and inequalities.
Unfortunately, this year’s report also shows that the neoliberal policies that have prevailed, in combination with the shrinking of the welfare state, have intensified the already existing problems, have sharpened social inequalities, poverty, insecurity, while precision and profiteering have affected the quality of life, especially of vulnerable groups. In addition, phenomena such as violence and social exclusion against women are becoming more and more frequent.
At the same time, the devastating consequences of wars, with the loss of thousands of people and many more who are driven to refugee status, with women and children being the first victims, create new negative data.
We, the women of Cyprus, who for almost 50 years have been experiencing the results ofthe imperialist designs of foreign powers, the crimes committed by nationalist chauvinist forces in both communities, express our solidarity and support to the women who are tested by the war, we condemn the violation of international law and we demand its immediate end.
At the same time, we demand that an effort be made to resume meaningful talks within the agreed framework with the aim of reaching a solution for the reunification of our homeland. We underline that the solution of a bi-communal bizonal federation with political equality, as described in the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council, which will provide for a state with one sovereignty, one citizenship and an international personality, is the only way for the reunification of Cyprus. At the same time we reiterate that the solution must ensure respect for the rights of the two communities and restore the human rights of all Cypriots. Today, once again, we call on the two leaders with will and determination to continue the talks from the point where they were interrupted, preserving the convergences that were formed until the end of the Crans Montana Conference as well as the Framework of the UN Secretary General, Mr. Guterres.
On this occasion, we simultaneously remind both leaders of the role that women can and should play in the effort to resolve the Cyprus issue and request our practical participation in all levels and decision-making stages of the peace process. As well as the introduction of the gender dimension in the negotiations.
We who consistently and eternally commemorate the anniversary of March 8th, address a call to all the women of Cyprus to intensify the struggle and our common action for the prevalence of peace, the achievement of the goal of the solution and the reunification of our homeland, for social justice and equality.
Source: Cyprus News Agency