From Policy Dialogue to Inclusive Financial Decision-Making

Event Purpose

As Cyprus examines a new gender equality regulation, this event explores how gender-responsive budgeting (GRB) can promote fairness, transparency, and inclusivity in financial decision-making.

Bringing together experts from policy, academia, civil society, and practice, the session aims to inspire professionals to rethink how budgets can become tools for equality and lasting social impact.

Event Agenda

18:00 – 18:05 | Welcome & Context Setting

Marios Mortis, AccountingWise Center

• Opening remarks and overview of the event’s purpose

• Live interactive poll: “Do current budgeting practices in Cyprus reflect gender equality?”

18:05 – 18:10 | Opening Address

Ms Josie Christodoulou, Commissioner for Gender Equality

• Institutional perspective on gender equality and public policy priorities

18:10 – 18:25 | Keynote Dialogue:

• “Gender Equality and Budgeting – From Policy to Practice”

Anna Prodromou, President, WICZ+ Foundation

Anna will explore how gender perspectives can be meaningfully embedded in budgeting and policy frameworks, reflecting on the new regulation currently under review by the Cyprus Parliament.

The session concludes with a short interactive dialogue focusing on communication, leadership, and cultural change as key enablers of equality in financial decision-making.

18:25 – 18:45 | Panel Discussion:

“Turning Equality Goals into Measurable Budget Impact”

Moderator: Anna Prodromou

Panel Composition:

• Philokypros Roussounides, Secretary General, Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry

• Marina Zevedeou, CEO of Aspen Trust Group

• Mary Pyrgos, Public Affairs Consultant, Researcher Human Rights Activist

Key Discussion Topics:

• Translating policy commitments into actionable budgeting practices

• Measuring outcomes: equality indicators and fiscal accountability

• How communication, culture, and leadership drive sustainable change

Participants will have the opportunity to submit questions and insights live via QR code; selected contributions are addressed during the discussion.

18:45 – 18:55 | Reflection Round:

“What Does Equality in Budgeting Mean to You?”

Participants share one-sentence reflections using a digital wall.

A short synthesis by Anna Prodromou and Marios Mortis.

18:55 – 19:00 | Closing Remarks 

Marios Mortis, AccountingWise Center

• Summary of key ideas and poll results

• Invitation to future AccountingWise initiatives on inclusive finance and governance

19:00 – 19:30 | Networking Reception

Drinks & Finger Foods Served

An opportunity for participants to connect, exchange views, and continue the discussion informally in a relaxed setting.

Organised by the AccountingWise Center in collaboration with the WICZ+ Foundation.