In a very beautiful and moving event organized by the Sotira Municipal District, entitled "The Woman - Mother in the Struggle of Life in Various Cultures" on the occasion of International Women's Day on March 8, women from Sotira who stood out for their contribution in various fields were honored.
Religious Scholar Dr. Areti Demosthenous spoke on the subject, referring extensively to the habits and treatment of women in various countries and cultures, both from a religious and social and political perspective.
The event was honored with the presence of Her Excellency the President of the House of Representatives and President of the Democratic Rally, Ms. Annita Dimitriou, who in her greeting expressed her heartfelt thanks for the honorary award, emphasizing at the same time that this recognition does not only concern her, but all women who struggle, claim and pave the way.
He added, "It doesn't matter if we succeeded, but that we pave the way, that we spread out the ladder, so that others can climb it, with fewer obstacles and more opportunities, and this is a battle that we must all fight together."
In his greeting, the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Christos, Mr. Christos Zannetou, stated that March 8th is not an occasion for celebration, but a day for reflection and action, a day dedicated to the strength, resilience and value of women around the world and a reminder of how important the contribution of women is to society, the family, culture, the economy and political life.
She added that, "we have a duty to continue to support women in the challenges they face, to continue to fight for a world where every woman can live with dignity, freedom and equal rights."
She also said that "we must all realize that the struggle for gender equality does not only concern women, but on the contrary, it is everyone's business, and when women can live with dignity, when they have equal opportunities and equal rights, then the whole of society benefits."
The Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannetou, assured that our event, which took place for the first time at the Sotira Municipal Council, under the new conditions of the local government reform, and by extension as the municipality of Ayia Napa, will now become an annual institution for awarding women from various categories of everyday life, since as he said "it is the least we can do as a sign of appreciation for their struggle but also for their important role in our lives."
On the part of the Deputy Mayor of the Sotiras Municipality of Ayia Napa, Mr. Antonis Koumis, he said that despite the fact that in Cyprus, like other countries in the world, significant progress has been made in strengthening women's rights, the path towards full equality continues and "we must continue to support every woman in our society, to have the same opportunities."
"Here in Sotira," said Mr. Koumis, but also in the entire Municipality of Ayia Napa, it is precisely this unity and support that is needed to give a voice to all women, so that they can feel strong and safe in every area of their lives."
"Supporting women," he continued, "is not only a matter of political or social responsibility, but also a human need, and it is necessary to promote the education, well-being and safety of all women and girls, because only in this way will we achieve a society of equality and prosperity for all."
"Let us all commit on the occasion of International Women's Day to actively support gender equality and fight for a future where every woman can live freely and realize her dreams without restrictions."
