The Mediterranean Institute of Gender Studies (MIGS) has completed a communication and advocacy project on the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combatting violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention) in Cyprus. Implemented from April 2025 to November 2025, the project was one of four initiatives selected under the call for proposals of the Council of Europe programme “Ending violence against women: multi-country programme”.
The project aimed to enhance public understanding of the Istanbul Convention and strengthen engagement with key stakeholders to support its effective implementation. Its campaign was based on the methodology developed by the Council of Europe Gender Equality Division, Women Against Violence Europe Network (WAVE) and UN Women.
The project strengthened the visibility of the Istanbul Convention in Cyprus, advanced understanding of its principles, and supported ongoing efforts towards implementation and monitoring. Key activities included:
- reaching over 195,000 people online through sustained digital outreach
- producing and disseminating 38 campaign materials, including 9 videos, 10 infographics, 5 polls, and one podcast
- publishing a policy brief on national implementation gaps and recommendations, shared with Members of Parliament, ministries, and government stakeholders
- securing national media coverage through an article in Φιλελεύθερος
- fostering public dialogue through interactive online tools
“Through the Ε.Σ.Υ. campaign, we aimed to bring the Istanbul Convention closer to people’s everyday lives - turning ratification into real understanding and action. By addressing misinformation and highlighting Cyprus’s commitments, the project promoted public dialogue and reinforced the convention’s core message: preventing and ending violence against women is a shared responsibility. Ε.Σ.Υ. reminded the public that the Istanbul Convention is not just a legal text — it’s a commitment to safety, equality, and dignity for all,” stated Susana Elisa Pavlou, Director of MIGS.
