Project Code: Place in CY07

The RESPECTing Human Rights project is a bicommunal initiative led by Birth Forward in partnership with the Association of Women to Support Living (KAYAD). Together, these two organisations — one based in the Republic of Cyprus and one in the areas not controlled by the Republic of Cyprus — work to advance reproductive health and parental support through a rights-based approach.

Our shared vision is to ensure that all women and birthing people in Cyprus have access to respectful, safe, and equitable healthcare services. To achieve this, the project focuses on:

• Advancing reproductive and maternity rights through evidence-based advocacy and policy recommendations.

• Promoting respectful maternity care (RMC) and raising awareness of systemic barriers in sexual and maternal health services.

• Conducting stakeholder mapping to engage policymakers, healthcare providers, and gender equality bodies — including consultations with the Commissioner for Gender Equality.

• Building cross-community collaboration to promote gender-sensitive health strategies and long-term cooperation between organisations in both parts of Cyprus.

By combining expertise, grassroots connections, and advocacy experience, the partnership works to enhance reproductive services, challenge inequalities, and empower women and parents across the island.