Visiting Cyprus, a scenic island nation of a million people, part of the European Union as also the Commonwealth, gave us the opportunity to be in Limassol. We were there to participate in the “Women who Launch” conference organised by the Cyprus – India business council of Women’s Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WICCI) led by the President Marina Zevedeou, as also attend the Limassol Economic Forum upon the invitation of G100 Global Chair for Sustainable Businesses , H.E. Natasa Pilides.  

We were honored to have with us Her Excellency the High Commissioner of India Madhumita Hazarika Bhagat. The panels was equally inspiring, filled with insightful discussions on how we can empower women and create a world that we all deserve.

The lunch on October 5 with H.E. Natasa Pilides and country chairs was filled with positive conversations and of course the opportunity to celebrate Shakti Bandhan on our World Sisterhood Day. 

At the Limassol Economic Forum, it was an honor to meet H.E. Annita Demetriou, first female to become Speaker of the Cypriot Parliament as also the first female to lead as President of the Democratic Rally Party. She is also the youngest person to lead in these seminal roles. 

Shattering many glass ceilings at once (or elsewhere referred to as the concrete wall), Excellency Annita is indeed a powerhouse role model whose rise to these two great roles makes a break from the past and provides massive inspiration and impetus to women to lead in politics with aspiration, capacity and resilience. 

We had the blessed opportunity to meet Excellency Annita on two occasions, once at the Limassol Economic Forum and then at the luncheon event with women members of the DISY political party. 

It was a pleasure to reconnect on the occasion with Stavriana Kofteros, Chairperson of the Limassol Economic Forum, as also meet many leaders of industry and business chambers. 

We are grateful to Soul Sister Maria Christofides, Cyprus Country Chair for the G100 wing of Political Leadership for the invitation to the lunch with women members of the DISY (Dimokratikos Synagermos) led by Excellency Annita. She was welcomed with a warm applause by all sisters evidently joyous and empowered by the win. 

The rule of integrity, the role of sorority and the path of priority are evermore important in order to galvanise the rise of women to the top leadership roles and bridge the glaring gaps, toward ensuring sustainable solutions and systemic changes as we co-create a world that works for all. 

Together we can drive the change and push for positive steps and mindful moves that mobilise the collective human spirit in solidarity and sense of connection. 

Convenor: 

H.E. Natasa Pilides, G100 Global Chair, Sustainable Businesses 

Along with 

Marina Zevedeou, President, Cyprus – India business council of Women’s Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WICCI) 

And Secretariat led by Founder & President, Dr. Harbeen Arora Rai 

With support of Vinay Rai, Founder & President G100 Denim Club 

Participants: included G100 Country Chairs and WICCI Cyprus council members 

We extend our gratitude to Natasa Pilides, Marina Zevedeou, Christina Economou, Dimitra Milioni, Cyprus University of Technology, Elena Tanou, Marlen Ines Vasquez, Maria Christofides, Maria Kapardis, Viola Edward De Glanville, Serene Mary Tharian, Xenia Neophytou, Branka van der Linden, Evi Chioti, Maria Terzi, Eleni Pashia, Mary Pyrgos, Raluca Ioana Man, Marios Giorgoudis and many others in support for making this visit memorable. 

Program: 

2 October

Arrivals and launch of SHEconomy in Cairo 

3 October

WICCI Cyprus program at Cyprus University of Technology with 100 registered participants followed by reception, presided by WICCI Cyprus President Marina Zevedeou and graced by the esteemed presence of High Commissioner of India 

4 October

Day trip to Athens, Greece to explore further partnerships 

5 October

Luncheon meeting at Columbia Beach Restaurant, Limassol. Shakti Bandhan Celebration, with G100 Global Chair H.E. Natasa Pilides and country chairs. 

6 October

Limassol Economic Forum 

7 October

Lunch with 120 women members of DISY parliamentary party, upon the invitation of Maria Christofides, Cyprus Country Chair for the G100 wing of Political Leadership, and member of the party. The lunch meeting was presided by H.E. Annita Demetriou, first female to become Speaker of the Cypriot Parliament as also the first female to lead as President of the Democratic Rally Party. 

Departures