The European Commission highlighted gender quotas as a means to break the glass ceiling for women in a panel discussion on 28 March at European Programme Support Office (EUPSO), Nicosia. After the opening speeches by Mr.Arttu Makipaa and Ms.İpar Çakmak Ergün, the panelists Johanna Maula, Nur Köprülü, Fazilet Özdenefe and Selen Necat Gürkan shared information and advices to raise awareness about the policies in the EU regarding gender equality, equal pay and gender quotas; to share examples from Europe on how to overcome the impact of the glass ceiling to achieve political empowerment and improvements in women’s economic participation and to raise awareness about local implementations and opportunities.

During his speech, Mr.Makipaa stated that the case for equality between men and women is a very strong one. Mr.Makipaa said, "Real equality pays off. It pays off in economic terms and in terms of well-being and quality of life". He also mentioned that as part of EU Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community, the Commission is happy to support a number of projects that contribute to gender equality.

The panel ended with a Q&A session.