The UN in Cyprus Marked International Women’s Day with HeForShe Pledges for Gender Equality

The United Nations in Cyprus commemorated International Women’s Day 2025 with a powerful show of commitment to advancing gender equality, as top UN officials on the island made personal pledges as part of the HeForShe movement.

Colin Stewart, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), reaffirmed his dedication to gender equality, stating, 

“I pledge to fight the backlash against gender equality.” 

His commitment comes at a crucial time when global progress on women’s rights faces increasing challenges, emphasizing the UN’s role in standing firm against any regression.

As we mark International Women's Day, see how our leadership is adding their voices to make tangible commitments towards accelerating gender equality in #Cyprus and around the world as part of the @HeforShe movement. Top @UN official on the island, Colin Stewart, states: "I… pic.twitter.com/RADCVBE2Gc

— UN Cyprus (@UN_CYPRUS) March 8, 2025 

Adding to the collective call for action, UNFICYP’s Force Commander, Major General Erdenebat Batsuuri, highlighted the importance of listening to and supporting female peacekeepers. 

“I pledge to continue listening and responding to the needs and concerns of our female peacekeepers,” 

As we mark #IWD2025, see how our leadership is adding their voices to make tangible commitments towards accelerating gender equality as part of the @HeforShe movement. #UNFICYP's Force Commander, Major General Erdenebat Batsuuri, says: "I pledge to continue listening and… pic.twitter.com/BI35iI9XgB

— UN Cyprus (@UN_CYPRUS) March 8, 2025

This underscores the UN’s ongoing efforts to foster an inclusive and supportive work environment within peacekeeping missions. Through these pledges, the UN in Cyprus demonstrates its commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable world, both within its operations and in the communities it serves. As part of the HeForShe movement, these pledges contribute to the broader global effort to accelerate progress toward gender equality, ensuring that women and girls everywhere can thrive.

On International Women’s Day, the message from the UN in Cyprus was clear: gender equality remains a priority, and tangible actions are essential to achieving a more just and equal future for ALL women and girls.