sexist remarks — Cyprus’s ombudswoman and education minister have challenged a teachers’ union leader over remarks deemed sexist regarding a historic change in education legislation.
- sexist remarks — Cyprus's ombudswoman and education minister have challenged a teachers' union leader over remarks deemed sexist regarding a historic change in education legislation.
- "It requires progress for all and equality that is not limited to the fancy wrapping of an empty box," she concluded, urging for genuine action towards the protection of human rights.
The incident began when Demetris Taliadoros, president of OELMEK, made a statement during a television programme on Monday, highlighting that a woman was changing education legislation for the first time in 50 years. This comment sparked immediate backlash.
Education Minister Athena Michaelidou expressed her disappointment, stating, “Education is the place par excellence for combating stereotypes related to sexism and every form of disrespect.” She emphasised that such comments have no place in the education sector, questioning how a leader of a significant trade union could express himself in such a manner.
Michaelidou further noted that she is aware of teachers’ reactions and appreciates their ongoing efforts towards achieving gender equality and mutual respect within the profession. Her emphasis on the importance of respectful dialogue in addressing sensitive issues was clear, particularly in light of Taliadoros’s refusal to retract his statement.
The ombudswoman, Maria Stylianou-Lottides, echoed these sentiments in a written statement, calling attention to the historical context of gender equality in Cyprus. She remarked, “In 2025, after Gandhi, Thatcher, Meloni, after two women are at the helm of the European Union, Mr Taliadoros came to expose the truth that was well hidden under the festive wrapping of equality.”
Stylianou-Lottides highlighted the ongoing struggle against deeply ingrained power dynamics, noting that even after the ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in 1985, the fight for gender equality remains fraught with challenges. She called for allies to unite across political lines to combat these persistent issues.
“It requires progress for all and equality that is not limited to the fancy wrapping of an empty box,” she concluded, urging for genuine action towards the protection of human rights.
