Press Release
As the world once again marked International Women’s Day this year, it highlighted the continued need for equal opportunities and meaningful representation of women across all areas of social and economic life.
Addressing gender inequalities is particularly critical in fields such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), where women remain significantly underrepresented, even as the demand for skilled professionals continues to rise.”
Across the globe, career opportunities in engineering, science, and technology are expanding rapidly. Yet women continue to face barriers limiting their participation in these high-growth sectors.
According to estimates, only about 30% of researchers worldwide are women, meaning that many women are still excluded from some of the most dynamic and promising professional fields.
International Women’s Day serves as a reminder that achieving gender equality is not only about rights and representation but also about ensuring women have equal access to education, resources, and career pathways. Encouraging girls and women to pursue careers in STEM and entrepreneurship is therefore essential to balancing the scales in the modern workforce.
Efforts to empower women in Cyprus
In Cyprus, several initiatives have been launched in recent years to address this imbalance and inspire more girls and women to pursue STEM-related careers. Among the organizations actively contributing to this effort is Chevron, whose Cyprus operations have supported programmes aimed at empowering women through education, training, and entrepreneurship.
Working alongside institutions such as Frederick University and CyprusInno, Chevron Cyprus has helped fund initiatives that provide mentorship, training, and scholarships for women seeking to build careers in technology, engineering, and business.
One such initiative is STEM Days, implemented by Frederick University, which introduces young girls to science and technology through engaging, hands-on experiences. Another programme, the Women Entrepreneurs Lab, supports women looking to develop business ventures and strengthen their entrepreneurial skills.
STEM Days: Breaking stereotypes early
For many women working in technology today, their interest in the field began at an early age. That was the case for Erma Dymiotou, a graduate of Frederick University’s BSc in Computer Science and MSc in Web and Smart Systems programmes.
Dymiotou recalls that her passion for technology began during her elementary school years.
“I took computer classes when I was in sixth grade. I was good at it, and I had an excellent teacher who made everything seem simple,” she says. “I knew since high school that I wanted to study computer science. It was the only subject that truly excited me, along with mathematics and physics.”
With the support of her parents, she pursued her studies despite financial difficulties. Scholarships and support from Frederick University played a crucial role in helping her achieve her goals.
“Information technology is a constantly evolving field, and that’s what attracted me to it,” she explains. “It is challenging, creative, and fulfilling.”
Today, she works as a web developer at Dynamic Works, contributing to the growing technology sector in Cyprus.
Inspiring the next generation
Recognising the importance of early engagement, Frederick University launched an initiative in 2021 titled “To All Women and Girls: Join the Journey in Engineering and Technology.”
According to Natassa Frederickou, President of the Council of Frederick University, the initiative aims to support and encourage young girls who are interested in pursuing careers in engineering and technology.
“At the same time, it seeks to raise awareness among parents and teachers about stereotypes and outdated attitudes that often discourage girls from following their interests in these fields,” she says.
Through the STEM Days programme, girls aged 9 to 12 participate in free workshops that introduce them to science, engineering, and technology through hands-on activities and experiments.
For older students, aged 13 to 16, a week-long STEM Camp offers a range of experiences including workshops, talks by industry professionals, and educational visits to technology companies and research institutions.
The goal is not only to spark curiosity but also to build confidence and show girls that careers in STEM are both achievable and rewarding.
Scholarships opening doors
Financial barriers can often discourage talented students from pursuing higher education. To address this challenge, Frederick University offers substantial scholarships to women enrolling in STEM programmes.
All female students joining these programmes receive a 50% scholarship, while, in collaboration with Chevron Cyprus, two full scholarships are awarded each year.
Since 2022, Chevron Cyprus has supported the university’s scholarship programme, helping ensure that financial limitations do not prevent talented young women from pursuing their ambitions. Through this partnership, more than 10 full scholarships have already been awarded to women based on academic performance and socioeconomic criteria.
For Stavriana Rafael, receiving such a scholarship made a life-changing difference. Coming from a large family with limited financial resources, she says the opportunity allowed her to pursue her dream of studying mechanical engineering.
“I’m happy with my choice,” she says. “It is something I truly enjoy, and I cannot imagine myself doing anything else.”
Supporting women entrepreneurs
Beyond education, empowering women in the economy also requires strengthening their leadership and entrepreneurial skills.
Participants from last year’s Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) were given the opportunity to continue their development through this year’s Women Entrepreneurs Lab, an intensive programme designed to help women grow their businesses.
Implemented with the support of CyprusInno and sponsored by Chevron Cyprus, the initiative includes a two-day bootcamp, personalised mentorship, and a final Demo Day where participants present their business ideas to investors and industry experts.
The programme focuses on refining business strategies, strengthening leadership and financial management skills, and preparing participants to deliver investment-ready pitches. It also connects entrepreneurs with mentors, investors, and key partners in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The launch of the Women Entrepreneurs Lab program last weekend, celebrated International Women’s Day by empowering women to grow professionally and take an active role in Cyprus’ business development.
Chevron Cyprus Financial Manager, Melina Demetriou said: “It is truly an honor to be surrounded by such inspiring and accomplished women who are making meaningful contributions to Cyprus’ economic development. On behalf of all my colleagues at Chevron Cyprus, I can confidently say that the Women Entrepreneurs Lab, as a continuation of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs, truly embodies the Chevron Way”.
