WOMEN UNITED: Women’s Open Gathering, July 1, 2024, Ledra Palace, Nicosia

Over 200 women attended a gathering by the Cyprus Women Bicommunal Coalition (CWBC) at Ledra Palace on July 1st, 2024. The meeting aimed to exchange views and make suggestions to achieve CWBC’s main goals:

An urgent solution to the Cyprus problem based on the UN framework

Full, equal, and meaningful participation of women in the negotiation process

Inclusion of a gender perspective in negotiations

Strengthening women's roles in peacebuilding by promoting peace and reconciliation

CWBC called on all women of Cyprus to unite, work together, and build strong alliances for greater effectiveness and impact. They expressed gratitude for the participants' interest and commitment to the initiative.

The participants proposed a roadmap to engage grassroots women across the island, both urban and rural, to understand and incorporate their concerns and priorities. These proposals will form part of an urgently implemented plan.

CWBC emphasised the importance of restarting negotiations and finalising the Cyprus problem. The appointment of UN Secretary General’s Personal Envoy, Ms. Maria Angela Holguín Cuellar, is a critical opportunity that must be seized. CWBC has urged the UN Secretary General to extend Ms. Holguin’s mandate to allow more intensive efforts for a successful outcome. They reiterated their commitment to support Ms. Holguin’s efforts by mobilizing Cypriot women.

Despite significant contributions by women’s organisations, their full, equal, and meaningful participation in the peace process has been overlooked. CWBC advocates for women to be at the forefront of peacemaking and peacebuilding efforts, operating on principles of dialogue, consensus, inclusiveness, and transparency.

Participants stressed the need for a redesigned negotiation process that is more inclusive, participatory, and transparent, involving women, youth, and civil society alongside the leaders.

The event was supported by the Irish Embassy and UNFICYP.

Share & Inspire Change