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Gender Equality Remains A Top Priority, Says Cypriot President

Gender equality remains a core priority for the Government, President Nikos Christodoulides stated on Wednesday during the presentation of the Commissioner for Gender Equality Josie Christodoulou’s report for March–December 2023.

Highlighting the Government’s commitment, President Christodoulides remarked, “There is still much work ahead, but we are encouraged by the progress we’re seeing. It is precisely these results that compel us to continue.” He emphasized that the report’s findings would be thoroughly examined by the Secretariat for Monitoring the Government’s Work to identify obstacles and inefficiencies, ensuring they are addressed in the 2025 annual planning.

Commissioner Christodoulou underscored the Government’s integrated approach, noting that policies promoting work-life balance, the increasing number of women in the Council of Ministers, education reforms, and comprehensive measures to combat violence against women are accelerating progress toward true gender equality. She also informed the President that Cyprus had climbed to 20th place in the European Institute for Gender Equality rankings this year.

“By integrating gender considerations across all Ministries and Deputy Ministries, we are advancing toward substantive equality between women and men,” Christodoulou said while acknowledging that significant challenges remain.

Deputy Minister to the President, Irene Piki, also attended the meeting, reflecting the Government’s united front on gender equality.

A Broader Perspective

While Cyprus doubles down on its commitment to gender equality, the global narrative presents a contrasting picture. In recent months, some companies and institutions have shifted away from Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, citing either a re-evaluation of priorities or criticism of their efficacy. Cyprus’ steadfast focus on equality amidst this backdrop serves as a reminder that achieving substantial change requires persistence, adaptability, and a clear vision—values that remain at the heart of the Christodoulides administration’s policies.

Cyprus Income Distribution 2024: An In-Depth Breakdown of Economic Classes

New findings from the Cyprus Statistical Service offer a comprehensive analysis of the nation’s income stratification in 2024. The report, titled Population By Income Class, provides critical insights into the proportions of the population that fall within the middle, upper, and lower income brackets, as well as those at risk of poverty.

Income Distribution Overview

The data for 2024 show that 64.6% of the population falls within the middle income class – a modest increase from 63% in 2011. However, it is noteworthy that the range for this class begins at a comparatively low threshold of €15,501. Meanwhile, 27.8% of the population continues to reside in the lower income bracket (a figure largely unchanged from 27.7% in 2011), with nearly 14.6% of these individuals identified as at risk of poverty. The upper income class accounted for 7.6% of the population, a slight decline from 9.1% in 2011.

Income Brackets And Their Thresholds

According to the report, the median equivalent disposable national income reached €20,666 in 2024. The upper limit of the lower income class was established at €15,500, and the threshold for poverty risk was set at €12,400. The middle income category spans from €15,501 to €41,332, while any household earning over €41,333 is classified in the upper income class. The median equivalents for each group were reported at €12,271 for the lower, €23,517 for the middle, and €51,316 for the upper income classes.

Methodological Insights And Comparative Findings

Employing the methodology recommended by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the report defines the middle income class as households earning between 75% and 200% of the national median income. In contrast, incomes exceeding 200% of the median classify households as upper income, while those earning below 75% fall into the lower income category.

Detailed Findings Across Income Segments

  • Upper Income Class: Comprising 73,055 individuals (7.6% of the population), this group had a median equivalent disposable income of €51,136. Notably, the share of individuals in this category has contracted since 2011.
  • Upper Middle Income Segment: This subgroup includes 112,694 people (11.7% of the population) with a median income of €34,961. Combined with the upper income class, they represent 185,749 individuals.
  • Middle Income Group: Encompassing 30.3% of the population (approximately 294,624 individuals), this segment reports a median disposable income of €24,975.
  • Lower Middle And Lower Income Classes: The lower middle income category includes 22.2% of the population (211,768 individuals) with a median income of €17,800, while the lower income class accounts for 27.8% (267,557 individuals) with a median income of €12,271.

Payment Behaviors And Economic Implications

The report also examines how income levels influence repayment behavior for primary residence loans or rental payments. Historically, households in the lower income class have experienced the greatest delays. In 2024, 27.0% of those in the lower income bracket were late on payments—a significant improvement from 34.6% in 2011. For the middle income class, late payments were observed in 9.9% of cases, down from 21.4% in 2011. Among the upper income class, only 3% experienced delays, compared to 9.9% previously.

This detailed analysis underscores shifts in income distribution and repayment behavior across Cyprus, reflecting broader economic trends that are critical for policymakers and investors to consider as they navigate the evolving financial landscape.

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