Minister of Justice and Public Order Anna Koukkides Prokopiou stressed the importance of the role of women police officers in combatting gender-based violence.
The Minister, who was addressing an event organised by the Cyprus Police on the occassion of the International Women’s Day, referred to the systematic and coordinated actions of the Police in the prevention and combating of gender and domestic violence and human trafficking, as well as the establishment of special units against violence in all districts which are staffed by highly qualified professionals. Furthermore, she underlined the role and contribution of female police officers in this effort.
She said that the government of Nikos Christodoulides has repeatedly expressed its commitment to full and substantial equality between men and women, and referred to specific positions and proposals on how this can be implemented in practice.
Prokopiou expressed her deep appreciation, gratitude and admiration for all female police officers serving in the Force.
“Women police officers work hard every day for the safety and protection of citizens and for the preservation of law and order. Often under adverse circumstances they are asked to reconcile their family and professional obligations and they succeed, thanks to their professionalism and tireless efforts”, she said.
Chief of Police, Stelios Papatheodorou, said that there are 1,344 women in the Cyprus police out of a total of 5,000 active members. In addition, 64 women have been recruited under contract as special police officers, out of a total of 220 people.
“It is a common obligation to ensure and defend the rights of every woman, to safeguard the equality of the two sexes and to strengthen and empower them against threat or danger”, he underlined.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Human Rights, Maria Stylianou Lottides, talked about the discrimination and ongoing challenges for women at work and in society, noting that there is a gap between the legislative framework and its proper implementation.
She said that significant gender inequalities still persist, such as the pay and pension gap, under-representation in politics, gender-based violence and domestic violence, trafficking, sexual exploitation and harassment.
Source: Cyprus News Agency