The Hellenic Bank and PwC Cyprus celebrated Women in Diplomacy in the courtyard of Hamam Omerye.
On a special evening in a unique setting, imbued with the aura of centuries at the Hamam Omerye monument, people came together on the night of June 25th to celebrate and honor International Women's Day in Diplomacy.
The gala dinner presented by Hellenic Bank and PwC Cyprus, organized by the Beauty and Wellness Group (Quick Spa, DESSANGE, Hamam Omerye, ILIOS SPA), was dedicated to the achievements and contributions of women in diplomacy, highlighting the importance of gender equality and the empowerment of international relations.
The evening was filled with inspiring speeches, engaging discussions, and a shared commitment to promoting the role of women in all sectors of society. The Beauty and Wellness Group hosted women who were just starting their careers, women who were on their paths, and primarily women who have made their mark on society through their diplomatic activities. Prominent men who recognize and applaud the achievements and talents of female diplomacy and entrepreneurship were also present.
Attendees included the First Lady, ambassadors, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Nicosia, and other distinguished guests from the business world and beyond.
"Continuing this year with respect, acknowledging the preference and appreciation of many diplomats for the Hamam Omerye monument as a place of their health care, it becomes a reason to share powerful human feelings of morality. To applaud and honor the multiple and worthy roles of women in diplomacy! So we start with a strong bravo to those who chase their dreams, and to those who dream without restraint," said the Managing & Creative Director of the Group, Andri Georgiou.
The presence of the First Lady and other high-ranking guests emphasized the significance of the event and strengthened collective efforts to promote gender equality in diplomacy.
A special moment was the honorary plaque awarded by the Beauty & Wellness Group to Cyprus' first female ambassador, Myrna Cleopa (1993), for her contribution to diplomacy. The plaque was presented by First Lady Philippa Karsera, who had worked with her in the diplomatic corps.
The First Lady, visibly moved, spoke about her mentor Myrna Cleopa. "I want to say from the bottom of my heart that Mrs. Myrna Cleopa was the first ambassador I had in London in 2002, when I was posted there, and it was the first time I was with my husband and served as second secretary at the High Commission in London. I can tell you that most of what I learned in diplomacy is due to this lady."
Mikaella Savva from Hellenic Bank stated that diplomacy is an art that requires not only intelligence, strategy, and negotiation skills, but also empathy, resilience, and a deep understanding of different perspectives. "Throughout history, women have demonstrated these qualities, often in the face of enormous difficulties, leaving a lasting imprint on the international stage," she noted.
Klio Papadopoulou from PwC Cyprus, in her greeting, referred to the multiple roles that women have to cope with in their lives, especially from the moment they become mothers. "In a world created by men for men, female characteristics are often undervalued when biases prevail. That is why the few who manage to succeed seem superhuman and are often tougher than men. And they are not truly role models. I also belong to this category."
