The historically unequal power relations between men and women not only continue to exist, but any attempt to dismantle them is met with resistance from “leadership interests”, human rights commissioner and ombudswoman Maria Stylianou Lottides said on Tuesday.

Lottides was commenting on a remark by high school teaching union Oelmek president Demetris Taliadoros, who said on a television programme on Monday – referring to Education Minister Athena Michaelides promoting teacher evaluations – that a woman came to change the legislation after 50 years.

“In the year 2025, after Ghandi, Thatcher, Meloni, after two women are at the helm of the EU, Mr Taliadoros came to unveil the truth that was well hidden behind the gender equality celebratory wrapping paper,” Lottides said.

She added that “behind every offence, attack, every effort to break any resistance in pursuing what is fair, dialogue, professionalism, change, there are ideals much higher than a begleri (worry beads) that is rolled through fingers with masculine certainty.”

Lottides pointed out the conventions deploring sexist and patriarchal stereotypes and acknowledging that sexism is a criminal offence, adding however that gender inequality not only persists, but meets resistance.

For this resistance to be dealt with, the ombudswoman said independent allies were needed.

“It needs progress for all and an equality that is not limited to colourful wrapping paper around an empty box, it needs actions and resistance for the true protection of human rights and the House now has the say, representing all of us,” she added.