Speaking during an online seminar by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Alexandra Attalides said the situation in the Turkish-controlled north was worsening, with new pressures on women’s freedoms coming directly from Ankara.

The event, titled “The Role of Parliaments in National Reporting on the Implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)”, brought together representatives from across the world.

In her intervention, Attalides noted that under Cyprus’ political system, the responsibility for implementing CEDAW lies with the government, not the House of Representatives. Still, she said MPs are actively engaged in promoting gender equality through draft laws and parliamentary oversight.

The seminar also highlighted that the republic of Cyprus ranks relatively low on the EU’s gender equality index. Attalides acknowledged the gap and said there was room for progress, especially in promoting more women into decision-making roles.

The MP stressed that Turkey was attempting to enforce stricter Islamic codes in the occupied areas, singling out a new push for mandatory headscarves in schools as a major concern.

According to a House of Representatives statement, the seminar was part of a broader effort by the IPU and the CEDAW Committee to boost gender equality through parliamentary action. Participants received detailed information on the convention and how countries should prepare their national reports. Guidelines and best practices were shared on how parliaments can play a stronger role in monitoring and applying CEDAW recommendations.

Special focus was given to ensuring equal and inclusive participation of women in decision-making, which was described as essential for achieving genuine equality. The seminar concluded with discussions on how national parliaments can support the reporting process, ratify the convention, bring its principles into domestic law, and maintain ongoing oversight.