Women and Change in Cyprus

Following its entry into the EU in 2004, Cyprus has become a major migrant destination. The influx of migrant workers has introduced a more complex ethnic dynamic into a country traditionally considered in light of its history of conflict between its Greek and Turkish ethnic nationals. Maria Hadjipavlou argues that the focus on Cyprus' 'national problem' has long prevented Cypriot women to challenge Cyprus' largely patriarchal and militaristic order to pursue women's rights and public visibility. While many Cypriot women are now 'liberated' from the home, this is often due to female migrant domestic workers - in effect reproducing patriarchal practices. Hadjipavlou here examines the experiences of women from Greek, Turkish, Armenian, Maronite and Latin communities and migrant domestic workers in the context of ethno-national conflict, ethnic divisions, nationalism and militarism, and argues for a multi-communal feminist movement in Cyprus to better promote women's rights.