Cyprus’ president obligates ministers to sign a ‘zero tolerance’ of sexual harassment declaration

NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — Cyprus’ president has obligated all government ministers to sign a declaration affirming a “zero-tolerance” policy on all sexist attitudes and behavior. It also covers any form of sexual harassment among employees and anyone visiting a government office. Cyprus already has stringent legislation against sexual harassment and sexism in the workplace. But it was the first time that ministers had to sign such a declaration in what Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides called an “institutional commitment” to eliminating such behavior in government. Cyprus ranks a lowly 22nd in the European Union in terms of gender equality. All ministers signed the declaration during a ceremony at the presidential palace on Friday.