Tasia Yiannara Yiallourides: “We’re creating the space where business and professional women can grow, lead and belong”

As a self-made businesswoman, Tasia Yiannara Yiallourides, President of BPW Cyprus, says there are two key factors that ensure the network – aiming to empower women to take active, equal roles in business, politics and society – addresses the needs of all women, regardless of status or profession: “The answer is inclusivity and collaboration,” she tells CBN in an interview, where she explains BPW Cyprus’ mission and role, and reveals whether this is a women-only initiative – “Gender equality is everyone’s business” she says.

Over the past three years, BPW Cyprus has become more active, modern and dynamic than ever. What was your vision behind this transformation?
In a world that’s constantly evolving—economically, socially and technologically—I wanted BPW to reflect today’s realities and the ambitions of modern women. From day one, my goal was to modernise the organisation, making it more relevant, impactful and useful for today’s professionals and entrepreneurs. We aimed to create a safe, empowering space for growth, free from bias or limitations. And we succeeded, because we believed in it and worked on it together. The BPW board and all our club leaders played a crucial role in this journey.

What is BPW and how does it support women in Cyprus?
BPW Cyprus is part of BPW International, one of the oldest and most influential global networks of business and professional women, with members in over 100 countries and consultative status with the UN and other major institutions. Our mission is clear: to empower women to take active, equal roles in business, politics and society. In Cyprus, we work to bring women together and help them reach leadership positions based on merit.

How do you manage to address the needs of such a diverse group of women—from young professionals to experienced leaders?

As a self-made businesswoman myself I believe in working together and empowerment. So, the answer is inclusivity and collaboration. BPW isn’t for just one type of woman—it’s for all professionals and entrepreneurs across Cyprus. Through our local clubs, our English-speaking club, and especially BPW Young, we’re able to connect with different generations and backgrounds. We listen, we adapt and we build the answers together, nothing is top-down.

What initiatives stand out from the past three years?
Our flagship Mediterranean Symposium, which has grown into a global platform. Now in its 7th year, it brings together women leaders and decision-makers from across the Mediterranean and beyond to discuss equality, leadership and policy-making.

We’ve also focused heavily on the next generation of professionals—offering mentoring, coaching and leadership development. Through workshops, short conferences and skill-building events, we’ve tackled everything from personal branding and financial literacy to AI and public speaking.

Some of these are national projects from BPW Cyprus, others come from the fantastic work of our local clubs. But what we’re most proud of is the community we’ve built, a space of solidarity and mutual support.

BPW Cyprus is active in many external forums too. Why is that important?
It’s important because women’s voices need to be heard where decisions are made. We don’t stay inward-looking. We participate in the National Mechanism for Women’s Rights, attend global BPW events, organize twinning programs with clubs abroad, and engage in local conferences and policymaking panels.
Our goal is to build bridges—between Cyprus and the world, between business and politics, between generations. This gives women a stronger presence and promotes meaningful dialogue.

You talk often about getting more women into decision-making roles. Why is this so critical?
Without presence, there’s no influence. And without influence, nothing changes. Women don’t just need a seat at the table—they need to lead the conversation. Studies show that companies with women on their boards perform 26% better. Societies with gender equality are more peaceful and resilient. So yes, it’s about fairness—but it’s also a smart strategy.

Is this a women-only effort?
Not at all. Gender equality is everyone’s business—men and women. Progress comes when we work together. And while Cyprus has made important steps, we now need deeper, long-term partnerships with the state to make lasting change.

What message do you want to share with the women reading this interview?
You don’t have to do it all alone. There are women—inside and outside BPW—who face the same challenges and share your dreams. BPW is not just a network for women—it’s a space of learning, support, and growth.
Whether you're looking for a career boost, inspiration, or just a space where you feel truly seen and supported, you’ll find it here. You’ll also find people who want to hear your story and walk with you on your journey.

Has your personal journey influenced your role in promoting equality?
I’ve been lucky. I grew up in a home where no one told me that some dreams were only for boys. I also work in communications—a field where women are strong and respected. But that only made me more aware of my responsibility to use my voice for women who didn’t have the same opportunities.
For me, BPW is not just a title—it’s a duty. I often say: It’s not how you walk into a room as a woman, it’s how you show up as a professional. That’s the real goal—to move beyond labels and focus on value.

What keeps you going?
I believe we are all proud, busy, high-achieving women—with full schedules, big responsibilities, and even bigger dreams. We’re business leaders, professionals, role models—and together, we can achieve what we deserve. Every woman who takes a step forward clears the path for those who follow. And I’ll keep walking that path until the day we no longer need to talk about “equal opportunities”—because they’ll finally be the norm.

About Tasia Yiannara Yiallourides
Tasia Yiannara Yiallourides is the President of BPW Cyprus and one of the country’s leading voices for gender equality. With 30 years of experience in communication and strategy, she is CEO of Partners Connected Communications and pr:partners—two of Cyprus’s most established firms in advertising and PR. A passionate advocate for women’s empowerment, she is committed to creating real opportunities for the next generation of female leaders.