Josie Christodoulou Takes Helm as Commissioner for Gender Equality

Josie Christodoulou was appointed Commissioner for Gender Equality on 1 March 2023. In this role, she oversees and monitors the implementation of the National Strategy for Gender Equality, working in close collaboration with all ministries and deputy ministries to ensure the effective integration of gender perspectives across government policies.

During her tenure, the institution of the Commissioner for Gender Equality was formally established in law and further strengthened. She chairs the National Machinery for Women’s Rights (NMWR) and founded the Civil Society Platform to promote inclusive dialogue and engagement on gender equality issues.

In February 2025, she assumed a leading role on the Executive Committee of the EmpowerMed Women network, within the framework of the EastMed Gas Forum (EMGF).

From 2004 to 2018, she served as Policy Coordinator at the Mediterranean Institute for Gender Studies (MIGS). During this time, she was a member of several boards, including the Cyprus Women’s Lobby, and contributed to the establishment of the European Network of Migrant Women in Brussels. She also participated in expert groups of the European Commission and the Council of Europe focusing on combating human trafficking.

Between 2019 and January 2022, she served as Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, specializing in the integration of gender perspectives into foreign policy. She has contributed to numerous publications, including research reports and books, and has organized seminars and training sessions, as well as participated in both international and national conferences.

Ms. Christodoulou holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Indianapolis (USA) and a Master’s degree in Racial Equality Studies from Middlesex University (United Kingdom).