Page 4 - BPW-UK - E-news - Edition 118 - January 2024

MEDITERRANEAN SYMPOSIUM 17/11-18/11/23

HOSTED BY BPW CYPRUS

‘Women protagonists in a game changing economy.’

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Cyprus as I had not attended an
international meeting for some time.

After a guided tour round Southern Nicosia on the first day we
were welcomed in the evening into a brand-new conference centre with
every facility. It was good to meet old friends and make new ones. My

first impression was the number of well-known sponsors BPW Cyprus
had managed to obtain. This had enabled a relatively cheap registration

fee and marvellous ongoing hospitality, much of it free

We were welcomed the first evening by Philippa
Karsera, the First Lady of Cyprus, who set the tone for the
theme of the conference. She stressed that women need to be
more in the foreground instead of supporting roles, equipping

women to thrive in emerging industries. Be prepared to learn from the
best, be a team player, giving others space to thrive. Know your value -
discount it and people will think you’re not worth much.

Have the courage to innovate and take risks unless you want the
bill of regret, look forward and remember the front windshield is bigger
than the rear-view mirror.

There were many inspirational speakers and knowledgea-

ble panel discussions including Nikos Christodoulides the Presi-
dent of Cyprus and the First Lady. Cyprus has a way to go but
Annita Demetriou, the President of the House of Representatives is a
woman for the first time, and she has appointed 44% of women to gov-
ernment positions, one of the highest in the EU.

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