The House of Representatives has approved the “Gender Mainstreaming Law of 2026”, introducing a legal obligation to integrate the gender perspective into all public policies, actions and the state budget. Gender Equality Commissioner Josie Christodoulou described the legislation as one of the most significant reforms in the field of gender equality in Cyprus.
The law also provides for the systematic collection of statistical data disaggregated by gender, aiming to support more equitable allocation of public resources and policies that better reflect the needs of citizens.
Gender perspective in policymaking and budgeting
In a statement following the vote, Christodoulou said the adoption of the law represents another decisive step towards achieving substantive equality between women and men in Cyprus.
The legislation establishes the process for integrating the gender perspective – the principle of equality between women and men – both in the formulation of public policies and actions and in the preparation of the state budget.
In practice, ministries, deputy ministries and the wider public sector will now be required to take into account the different impact policies and measures may have on the lives of women and men when designing and revising them.
According to the Commissioner, the aim is to ensure the greatest possible positive change in citizens’ daily lives and a fairer distribution of state resources.
Reform in the field of gender equality
Christodoulou said the adoption of the law represents one of the most important reforms in the area of gender equality in Cyprus.
She noted that the legislation recognises equality between women and men as an essential component of democratic governance. The law also seeks to strengthen accountability through policies that respond to the real needs of both women and men while supporting social cohesion and the well-being of all citizens.
Collection of gender-disaggregated data
The legislation also establishes the systematic collection of statistical data separated by gender. This data is intended to serve as a tool for designing more targeted policies and assessing their social impact.
Acknowledgements following the vote
Christodoulou thanked the House of Representatives, the President and members of the Parliamentary Legal Affairs Committee for their prompt response and discussion of the bill.
She also expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Justice and Public Order, the Law Office of the Republic, the former Law Commissioner and all ministries and deputy ministries for their cooperation and contributions during the preparation of the legislation.