Annita Demetriou

Annita Demetriou, Speaker of the House of Representatives: “As a WPL Ambassador for Cyprus I am fully committed to ensuring gender mainstreaming in all legislations through the exercise of effective parliamentary scrutiny, systematic monitoring of the implementation of the National Action Plan on Gender Equality and the promotion of progressive law reforms which advocate gender equality. In this respect it is noteworthy to mention that recently I have submitted a draft bill on criminalizing sexism and sexist behavior before the competent Parliamentary Committee of the House of Representatives. As a female Parliamentarian I also strive to portray a positive female role model for the attraction of more women in politics and for challenging and eliminating gender-based stereotypes, cultural norms and social prejudices which hamper equality.”

Bio: 

Mrs Annita Demetriou, is the first woman and the youngest person to serve as President of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus. She was elected as a Representative in 2016 and re-elected in 2021. She holds a university degree in Social and Political Sciences as well as a postgraduate title in International Relations and European Studies.

She is an Ambassador of the global network of women politicians – Women Political Leaders (WPL) and represents Cyprus in the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

She participates in the Conference of Speakers of EU Parliaments (EUSC), in the European Conference of Presidents of Parliament of the Council of Europe, the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly (EMPA), the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth as well as in the Conference of Presidents of Parliaments of Small European States.

She aims for and strives towards the advancement of parliamentary work, the modernisation and digital transformation of the functioning of the House of Representatives as well as the strengthening of the communication with the citizens, within an interactive framework. Her priorities include, among other issues, the promotion of human rights, the eradication of gender stereotypes, the protection of the environment and the strengthening of parliamentary diplomacy.