Undoubtedly, we have a long way to go, until there is equal representation of women in high positions in Cyprus said Elena Michaelides, Secretary / Director of the Famagusta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) in an interview with the CNA, expressing optimism on the issue of equal treatment of both sexes.
She described her recent appointment to the Famagusta Chamber of Commerce and Industry as honourable, noting she is the first woman in this position and the youngest person to be employed by a chamber in Cyprus. She praised the role which local chambers play in promoting the business interests, developing the town and its district’s economy and promoting entrepreneurship in multiple ways.
Asked if she might face problems as the sector is male dominated, Michaelides said that in Cyprus and overseas, there is an increase in female representation over time, adding that “undoubtedly we have a long way to go until we achieve equal representation of women in high positions.”
She said she is optimistic on the progress on equal treatment regarding female representation. This, she added, is reflected in the fact that six out of the 20 women in the chamber’s board, are women, making the chamber a pioneer in this field.
The chamber, she added, believed in her abilities and appointed her, adding that a person must be in a position because of his/her professional qualifications and personality, whether he is a man or a woman. The road, she added, to recognition, is achieved with hard work and skills and nothing more.
Regarding promoting women in high positions in organisations or elsewhere, Michaelides said that many Cypriot women excelled in their fields and are a source of inspiration, such as Stella Kakoyianni Soulioti, the first female minister of the Republic who was also the first woman to become a lawyer on the island. Another example is the late Minister of Labour, Zeta Emilianidou.
The continued evolution and advancement should be the pursuit of every individual, she said, adding that advancing in one’s career cannot have limitations or an end, the only criteria must be knowledge, experience, skills, abilities and constant learning.
She also said will make use of all bodies and organisations to contribute to the acknowledgment of the Famagusta Chamber and Famagusta as a town and to learn the unacceptable actions of the illegal regime in the north.
The chamber, she added, has developed a great visibility and promotion and has developed a great dynamic despite the problems it is facing which is being uprooted from its town. She said the Famagusta chamber has recently opened up offices in Pireaus, Athens, in the framework of the two chambers strengthening their relations and cooperation, making it the only chamber with overseas offices.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied the island’s northern third.
Source: Cyprus News Agency