By Elena Charalambous Papadopoulou ~
NICOSIA, CYPRUS — On every corner of Cypriot life—from the vibrant startups to corridors of power—women are emerging as drivers of progress, innovation, and policy. Resourced by a dynamic environment, they’re shaping the island with vision, talent, and leadership.
Driving Female Entrepreneur Startups
The U.S. Embassy-sponsored and Chevron-funded Academy for Women Entrepreneurs by CyprusInno recently celebrated more than 40 graduates opening and growing enterprises in multiple industries. With training in finance, strategic planning, and pitching, participants kicked off an inspiring wave of women-owned businesses on the island.
The same, three EU calls for funding—Cartier Initiative and Women TechEU—are providing a grant value of up to €75,000 and mentorship to Cypriot women-founded deep-tech startups as part of ensuring innovation deficit is addressed in.
Driving Innovation & Tourism
Women business owners have been found to be significant in building sustainable and heritage-focused tourism all over Cyprus. SMEs, 99.3% of the entities in Cyprus, include many with females at the helm spearheading eco-tourism, agritourism, and cultural ventures, supporting grassroots economies and policy achievements.
Breaking Science Barriers
The first Women in STEM Cyprus Forum, which was hosted in September 2024 under President Christodoulides’ patronage, had women in science and technology in the spotlight. The forum demanded career progression, venture capital, and leadership role access—hastening Cyprus to a more diverse STEM future.
Academic research like “Breaking Barriers for Women in Science” and “Women in Physics in Cyprus” are highlighting systemic advancement and ongoing challenges, and it is thus no surprise that empowerment efforts must be implemented incessantly.
Inspirational Public Servants
In Cypriot government and international foreign affairs, exemplary women have shaped the state:
Stella Kyriakides, former EU Commissioner, promoted European health policy and breast-cancer awareness internationally.
Praxoula Antoniadou-Kyriacou, former Minister of Commerce, Industry & Tourism, led Cyprus’s EU accession and natural gas exploration.
Chrystalla Georghadji, the first female Central Bank governor of Cyprus (2014–2019), broke glass ceilings in economic leadership.
Eleni Mavrou, first female mayor of Nicosia and Interior Minister (2012–13), continues to be a voice for community-focused policy.
Frances Lanitou, Cyprus’ Ambassador to China, has been a driving force in diplomatic action on cultural exchange and international cooperation.
An Enabling Policy Environment
Cyprus’s Framework for Women’s Entrepreneurship Development—now integrated into general funding schemes for youth entrepreneurship—along with engaged participation in EU programs such as WEgate, reflects institutional support of women’s business leadership.
Cyprus is positioned at the dynamic intersection of tradition and progress. With women businesswomen, scientists, and public servants in the lead, the island is shaping a future of shared prosperity, creativity, and global leadership.
“Women are leading Cyprus towards a brighter future,” says a senior businesswoman. “Their achievement today is our country’s success in the future.”
