Cyprus

A Middle Eastern island located in the Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus has long been the scene of conflicting cultures, and such conflicts have taken a toll on the status of women. Within three years of attaining independence from Great Britain in 1960, Cyprus became embroiled in open conflict between the Greek majority and the Turkish minority. The United Nations dispatched peacekeeping forces, but was unable to prevent Turkish intervention and the establishment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Occupying more than a third of the island, TRNC is recognized only by Turkey. Cyprus was admitted to the European Union in 2004, and a tentative peace was negotiated four years later.

By the early 21st century, 70 percent of the population had become urbanized, with four-fifths of the workforce engaged in service occupations, particularly in tourism, financial services, and real estate. With a per capita income of $21,200, Cyprus is the 58th richest country in the world. Greeks (77 percent) constitute the majority, but the Turkish minority (18 percent) maintains control in the north. Most Cypriots are Greek Orthodox faith (78 percent), but 18 percent of the population are Muslim. While Greek is the official language, English is also widely spoken. Cultural norms have often relegated women to stereotypical roles, confining them to nurturing activities, and limiting opportunities in education and employment. Increasing incidences of domestic violence are of major concern to women's rights activists, as are economic disparities in the workplace and the limited role of women in decision making.

Workplace disparities are greatest among blue-collar females who may earn 25 to 30 percent less than males working in similar positions. Sexual harassment also continues to be a major problem in the workplace. Due to criminal restrictions on abortion, [Page 369]women have limited reproductive choices. There is considerable concern about the rights of Turkish women living in the occupied section of the island and about the rights of women of the Roma minority. Efforts have been made to eradicate gender stereotypes by improving the image of women as portrayed by the Cypriot media and by increasing female participation in television, radio, and advertising.

Cypriots have a life expectancy of 77.66 years, with women (80.57 years) having an advantage over males (77.66 years). This advantage continues throughout life, resulting in a life expectancy of 80.57 years for women and 74.88 years for males. Thus, the median age of Cypriot women is 33.6 years as compared to 33.2 years for males. Cypriot women give birth at a rate of 1.45 children per woman, and Cyprus has an infant mortality rate of 9.57 deaths per 1,000 live births. Males (98.9 percent) have the advantage over females (96.3 percent) when it comes to literacy, but women spend an average of 14 years in school as compared to 13 years for males.