Achievements driven by women: insights of the first Women Leaders’ Forum

On Tuesday, 26 March 2024 the Women Leaders’ Forum 2024-IMH took place at Hilton in Nicosia. During the forum, business and professional sector leaders shared their insights on building, sustaining, and driving innovation and inclusion in business. Energame was among the event’s sponsors.

An inspiring speech entitled "Empowering Equality: A Vision for Inclusive Participation and Social Transformation" was delivered by the First Lady of Cyprus, Philippa Karsera Christodoulides, with many messages of support and empowerment. She reminded us all of the power of vision in driving change, emphasising personal responsibility towards society. As she spoke from her heart, a mother of four daughters, wife of the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, daughter, sister and diplomat, she shared her own journey, highlighting the importance of adaptability in the face of challenges. "Women are adaptable, so we have an important role to play," she stated. Reflecting on her experience, especially regarding the unexpected path to the presidency of her husband and the adjustments it demanded, underscored the importance of balance and harmony within our homes and workplaces.

After the First Lady’s speech, Marianna Hadjiandoniou, Executive Vice President of Energame, participated in a panel discussion and discussed talent acquisition policies, ways to retain talent and the need for employee wellbeing and work-life balance through culture change. The round table discussion was moderated by Natasa Pilides, Ex Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Cyprus. Marianna highlighted the distinct traits of Gen Z, underlining the significance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance to retain employees and appeal to young professionals. Addressing women specifically, she advised them to be unstoppable, working diligently and fearlessly tackling any challenges that come their way. Speaking about the importance of culture change in a company she said: "At Energame, our vibrant culture thrives on strong bonds and adaptability. Through crises, our unwavering commitment to core values, such as adaptability guides us. Let's continue supporting each other, setting high goals and pursuing them relentlessly, united and resilient."

The event had various inspiring speeches. During a panel discussion entitled “Empowerment, Diversity, and Inclusion”, Stella Kammitsi, Vice President of BPW Cyprus Federation of Business and Professional Women shared with the audience statistics showing the large wage gap between men and women, even when performing the same tasks. She shared that the goal of BPW Cyprus is, among others, to shed light on the above.

Let the words of the First Lady of Cyprus inspire us for an equal and inclusive society without boundaries.