Cyprus adopts initiative for gender equality in public space – The first figures were placed on Miki Theodorakis Avenue in Nicosia.
The first female silhouettes on pedestrian crossing signals have appeared in Nicosia, launching an initiative to advance gender equality in everyday public environments.
The unveiling occurred today on Miki Theodorakis Avenue, near the Nicosia Municipal Theatre and the Cyprus Museum.
Transport, Communications and Works Minister Alexis Vafeadis, along with Gender Equality Commissioner Josie Christodoulou, oversaw the installation and testing of the new signals.
In the initial phase, six female figures will be installed across all provinces, Minister Vafeadis announced. He called the move “a small change with big messages,” adding that “eventually, we aim for a balance between male and female figures on traffic lights. We’ll explore how to achieve that equilibrium.”
Commissioner Christodoulou emphasized that “this is another step in embedding gender equality across daily life. It challenges stereotypes, particularly for younger generations.”
She highlighted similar efforts in Switzerland, Germany, and Spain, while noting plans to launch a school competition where students discuss equality and suggest names for the new female signal icons.