The 2nd Women in STEM Cyprus Summit, focusing on the theme ‘Voices of Change’, successfully gathered over 300 participants, showcasing the ongoing challenges of gender disparity in science and technology. Backed by Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, the event was co-organised by Women in Tech Cyprus and TechIsland, aiming to spark conversation among leaders from academia, business, and politics.
Women in: Addressing Gender Imbalance
Participants emphasised that the gender gap in STEM and AI leadership is not a reflection of ability, but rather the result of entrenched structural barriers. Discussions revealed that societal norms and stereotypes foster insecurity and bias from early education through to senior leadership roles. Despite women’s significant contributions to science and technology, they hold only 25% of seats on research boards, underscoring a misalignment between talent and opportunity.
Cyprus’s Commitment to Maritime Governance
On a different front, Cyprus reaffirmed its commitment to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) during the 34th General Assembly held in London. Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis addressed the assembly, highlighting Cyprus’s dedication to shaping the future of international shipping amidst evolving challenges. She advocated for shared responsibility and coordinated action to ensure the sustainability and safety of the maritime sector.
Upcoming Talks on Housing Policy
As Cyprus prepares to take over the EU Council Presidency in January 2026, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou is set to travel to Stockholm on November 27. He will meet with Swedish leaders to discuss housing policy and civil protection, aiming to alleviate pressures in the domestic housing market. The talks will also touch on the European Affordable Housing Plan, reflecting a collaborative approach to tackle housing challenges across the EU.
Unemployment Trends in Cyprus
Recent statistics show a decrease in unemployment in Cyprus, falling to 4.1% in the third quarter of 2025, down from 4.5% the previous year. The number of unemployed persons has also declined to 21,781, with a labour force participation rate of 65.6%. This positive trend indicates a slight increase in employment, with 509,211 individuals now employed, marking an overall employment rate of 62.9%.
Strengthening Corporate Governance
In a move to enhance corporate governance and compliance, the Cyprus Institute of Certified Public Accountants (ICPAC) and the Cyprus Compliance Association (CCA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. This agreement aims to foster cooperation and raise professional standards across the Cypriot market through shared expertise, monitoring of regulatory developments, and aligned approaches to risk management.
Fourlis Group Reports Growth
In business news, Fourlis Group has reported robust sales and profitability for the first nine months of 2025, driven by the expansion of its IKEA, Intersport, and Foot Locker networks across Greece, Cyprus, and Romania. Revenue climbed to €430.7 million, with gross profit reaching €200.7 million, reflecting the company’s effective market strategies.
Demetra Holdings Financial Update
Demetra Holdings Plc has reported a profit of €13.7 million for the first nine months of 2025, a decrease from €42.4 million in the same period of 2024. The decline is attributed to previous gains from Hellenic Bank, which were realised earlier this year. Current profits stem from investments in the Cyprus Stock Exchange and increased income from interest and rents, showcasing the group’s resilience in a fluctuating market.
