The latest findings from the European Institute for Gender Equality reveal a mixed picture for Cyprus. While the country records some of the highest rates in the EU for women’s participation in the labour market and tertiary education, entrenched gender stereotypes continue to influence professional choices, work–life balance and representation in key sectors.
Women in Cyprus participate in the labour market at a rate of 86.3 percent, the highest in the European Union. Yet nearly half of all professions (49.4 percent) remain clearly split between male-dominated and female-dominated fields. The figures point to a structural divide that education alone has not yet bridged.
Education Versus Employment
In the 30–34 age group, women graduate from tertiary education at an impressive 73 percent, the highest rate in the EU. Men follow at 56 percent. Despite this academic advantage, women’s qualifications are not fully reflected in career pathways or representation in sectors aligned with their studies.
A Heavy Gender Gap in Time, Knowledge and Power
The EIGE index also highlights persistent inequalities:
- 54.7 percent gender gap in personal time linked to domestic work and caregiving
- 44.6 percent gender gap in the domain of knowledge
- 13.6 percent gender gap in the domain of power
These imbalances continue to shape the daily realities of women and men, informing decisions about career, family and public life.
Cyprus Shows Steady Progress
According to the Office of the Commissioner for Gender Equality, Cyprus has made consistent progress over the past decade, rising:
- By 5.1 points since 2015
- By 1.8 points since 2020
The country’s score reached 47.6 in 2025, compared with 42.5 in 2015 and 45.8 in 2020.
However, Cyprus now ranks 27th among EU member states. This shift reflects the EIGE’s new assessment methodology rather than a deterioration of conditions. The Institute itself warns that comparisons with previous years are not meaningful and that “a drop in the score does not automatically mean a worsening of circumstances”.
Different Metrics Tell a Different Story
Alternative assessments paint a more encouraging picture. According to the European Investment Bank’s 2025 study on the share of women in senior roles, Cyprus ranks second in the EU with 42 percent of companies having women in top-level positions. This underscores the importance of understanding each index within its own methodological framework.
A Joint Effort Against Gender Stereotypes
The Commissioner’s Office stresses that international benchmarks serve as both guidance and motivation. Eliminating gender stereotypes, it notes, is essential to dismantling the inequalities they sustain.
- This effort requires coordinated action from government, political forces, the business sector, civil society and every individual. Mapping gaps, identifying shortcomings and implementing targeted policies remain key steps in strengthening equal participation across all sectors of social and economic life.