A new report from the European Union shows that Cyprus has the biggest problem with gender equality in the whole EU. At the same time, a case about a disabled public worker has started a new discussion about disability rights. These two problems together are making people talk about fairness in Cypriot society.
The EU's gender equality index looks at many areas like jobs, money, and power. Cyprus has the lowest score. It is only 47.6 out of 100. The biggest problem is with personal time. There is a very large gap between men and women. This means women do much more unpaid work at home, like caring for family. This is true even though more women in Cyprus work and finish university than in any other EU country.
The Gender Equality Commissioner, Josie Christodoulou, said the goal is not for women and men to compete. She said, "Our goal is equal representation, far removed from stereotypes and prejudices." Experts say old-fashioned social ideas are the problem. They also say jobs are very separated by gender, so women often do not get the best jobs.
In a similar case, a man with a mobility disability says he was not given a promotion at his public sector job because of his disability. The Ombudswoman has now asked his employer to explain their decision. She reminded them that employers must make reasonable changes to help disabled workers.
These events show that Cyprus still has deep problems with equality. The law promises protection, but real life is often different. People are now watching to see if the country will take real action for women and disabled people.