The Cyprus journalists’ union on Friday called for women’s presence in the media to be “strengthened” and for there to be gender equality in the media industry.

In a statement made to mark International Women’s Day, which will be celebrated on Saturday, the union said it stands in full solidarity with the International Federation of Journalists “in condemning any form of infringement and repression of the fundamental right to freedom of expression, especially the voice of women”.

It added that this year marks exactly 30 years since the signing of the Beijing declaration, which was signed at the end of the UN’s fourth world conference on women and aimed to promulgate a set of principles concerning gender equality.

“Today, given the growing threats to gender equality and the rise of far-right governments, the commitments made in Beijing are more relevant and critical than ever,” it said.

It added that the Beijing declaration is “a political commitment for governments around the world to promote women’s empowerment”, and that it includes “strategic goals and actions in 12 critical areas, including the media”.

The two goals it set for the empowerment of women in the media were an increase in women’s participation and access to central roles of expression and decision-making, and effort to combat female stereotypes in the news.

“We are committed to a future where gender equality is the norm, and every person can freely express their views without fear of oppression or discrimination. We demand gender equality in the media for an inclusive society, free from misogyny and bias,” the union said.