Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot political parties have highlighted the significant role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts and in peace-building processes, during a meeting they had in the context of their regular encounters, under the auspices of Slovak Embassy in Cyprus.
According to a joint communique read out by Slovak Ambassador, Oxana Tomova, the leaders and the representatives of participating political parties constructively expressed opinions on the issue proposed by the hosting party, the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) “Gender Equality and Women in the Peace Building Processes”.
They believe that women are under-represented in the peace process in Cyprus, she said. “They also agree that women constitute half of the community and their experiences and capabilities should not be disregarded.”
They stress the importance of women’s equal participation and full involvement in all efforts for the promotion of peace and security, and the need to increase their role in decision-making with regard to conflict prevention and resolution, as also stressed in UN Security Council Resolution 1325, Tomona stressed.
“They reject violence against women as it impedes the advancement of women and maintains their subordinate status. They, as Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots, together agree to struggle against the exploitation of the women in Cyprus”.
They affirm that women and men together have to combat discrimination and encourage the involvement of women more in social, political and legal institutions and decision making processes, especially in the peace building processes, she added.
The next regular meeting of the leaders and the representatives of the political parties will be held on Friday, 24 April 2015 at the Ledra Palace in the UN controlled buffer zone, divided Cyprus` northern Turkish occupied areas from the southern government controlled part of the county.