AFTER OUTCRY, NINE WOMEN NAMED TO CULTURE COMMITTEE

 Cyprus Mail 22 October 2020 - by Gina Agapiou

The education ministry on Thursday appointed nine more female members to the advisory committee for the creation of a culture ministry following criticism that only one woman had been initially included among 15 men.

An additional nine women from various culture sectors are now part of the committee whose members increased from 16 to 25 — 10 women and 15 men.

The committee was formed to advise the ministry on the creation of a deputy ministry of culture.

The initial announcement of the committee on Tuesday was followed by an uproar from MPs and the public, who censured the absence of women and demanded from Minister Prodromos Prodromou to reconsider.

The public also expressed disappointment on social media and wondered what kind of culture the committee represented.

In an announcement defending its decision, the ministry said it had not been deliberate, adding that the advisory committee for digital education, which had not been announced yet, “coincidentally” had more female members.

Confirming that statement, the education ministry announced on Thursday that the six-member advisory committee for the use of digital technology in education and remote learning will have four female members.

The second committee includes four academics and one expert in the field and will “advise and give guidance on the strategy and planning for the development of digital technology and remote teaching in the education system” the ministry’s announcement said.