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Cyprus Sets The Benchmark: 74% Of Master’s Students Are Women In 2022

Cyprus is rewriting the rulebook on higher education in the European Union. According to Eurostat data, the island nation recorded the highest percentage of women in master’s programs among EU member states in 2022 while also boasting one of the strongest showings in doctoral studies.

Master’s Programs: A New Standard In Gender Equality

In 2022, Cyprus enrolled 9,359 master’s (or equivalent) students, of whom 6,948 were women—a striking 74.2%. This figure outpaces other EU nations, with Poland (67.3%) and Lithuania (66.1%) trailing behind. Across the EU, women make up 58.6% of master’s students (905,678 out of 1.5 million), a majority in every country except Luxembourg, where gender parity prevails.

Doctoral Studies: Climbing The Ladder

Cyprus isn’t stopping at master’s programs. At the doctoral level, 83 out of 143 students in 2022 were female (58.0%), placing Cyprus second only to Latvia (59.6%) and ahead of Lithuania (57.4%). In comparison, the EU-wide average stands at 48.5% (48,079 out of 99,204).

A Decade Of Progress

Over the past decade, the EU has seen a slight decline of 0.4 percentage points in the share of women in master’s studies—driven by modest decreases in 12 countries, ranging from -0.1 in Slovenia to -3.6% in Hungary. In stark contrast, the share of women in doctoral studies has grown by 1.0 percentage point overall, with Cyprus registering the most impressive surge: an 8.0 percentage point increase from 2013 to 2022.

Implications For The Future

These figures highlight Cyprus as a leader in fostering gender equality in higher education, a crucial factor for driving future innovation and leadership. With such a robust commitment to empowering women at the highest academic levels, Cyprus is not only setting a benchmark for the EU but also paving the way for a more diverse and dynamic knowledge economy.

As the global spotlight increasingly focuses on diversity and inclusion, Cyprus’ standout performance in both master’s and doctoral studies signals a promising shift toward a more balanced and innovative future in higher education.

Sklavenitis Cyprus Sets A New Standard For Employee-Centric Benefits

Investing In Human Capital

In a bold move that underscores the growing importance of human capital in today’s business landscape, Sklavenitis Cyprus has taken innovative steps to ensure its workforce is both valued and supported. The supermarket chain has introduced a policy to pay a 14th salary to all employees—including those from Papantoniou Supermarkets—cementing its status as the sole retailer in Cyprus to implement such a comprehensive benefit.

A Significant Investment In People

This initiative is far from symbolic. With an estimated total cost of €2 million, it represents a committed investment in the company’s most valuable asset—its people. By providing an additional salary, Sklavenitis reinforces a culture of inclusivity and fairness, acknowledging every employee’s contribution to its success.

Robust Benefits For Long-Term Stability

Complementary to the 14th salary, the company has launched a robust benefits program designed to address both financial and personal security. An Automatic Cost of Living Adjustment (ATA) of 12.56 per cent ensures that wages remain aligned with inflation, safeguarding real income stability for its team members.

Comprehensive Health And Life Support

Sklavenitis further enhances employee welfare through access to a Group Life and Health Insurance Plan and a Provident Fund co-funded by the employer. These measures not only provide immediate protection but also empower employees to plan confidently for the future.

Exclusive Perks And Incentives

The company extends its commitment beyond conventional benefits by offering store discounts, a birth allowance, and holiday gift vouchers valued at €100 during both Easter and Christmas. These additional perks enhance employee satisfaction and underline Sklavenitis’ people-first ethos.

A Strategy For Mutual Success

In an industry where employee engagement directly impacts customer satisfaction, Sklavenitis’ comprehensive approach stands out as both a progressive and strategic business decision. By investing in its workforce, the company not only nurtures a supportive workplace but also drives superior corporate performance, setting a new benchmark for responsible employment practices in Cyprus.

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