On the 17th June 2026, the Centre for Competence Development Cyprus (COMCY), in collaboration with Eurosuccess Consulting, hosted the event “Inclusion: Are We There Yet?” at the Gardens of the Future in Nicosia.

The event brought together employers, HR professionals, migrant women, community representatives, and inclusion advocates for an evening dedicated to workplace diversity, employability, and meaningful dialogue. The aim was to create a welcoming space where participants could openly discuss the realities of inclusion in Cyprus, the challenges faced by migrant women in the labour market, and the role that employers and organisations can play in creating more accessible and supportive workplaces.

The evening opened with a presentation of practical tools and case studies from three Erasmus+ projects: EmpowerHer, Fit for the Future, and COOPSkills. These projects were presented as examples of how European cooperation can lead to useful resources for both employers and individuals seeking to strengthen their skills and employment opportunities.

Through the EmpowerHer project, participants were introduced to the EmpowerHer Onboarding Toolbox, a free collection of practical activities designed to help employers and HR teams support the integration of migrant women into the workplace. The toolbox includes resources that can be used from the first stages of recruitment and onboarding, through to longer-term support, mentoring, check-ins, and inclusive team-building activities.

The EmpowerHer Training Programme and WebApp were also presented as accessible tools for migrant women entering or re-entering the workforce. These resources focus on key skills such as communication, cultural sensitivity, cooperation and teamwork, problem solving, digital skills, job search preparation, and self-presentation. By offering flexible and practical learning opportunities, EmpowerHer aims to support migrant women in building confidence, strengthening employability, and navigating the labour market more effectively.

The event also highlighted Fit for the Future, an Erasmus+ project focused on regenerative leadership and organisational development. The project supports managers, team leaders, educators, HR professionals, and organisations in developing more inclusive, sustainable, and forward-thinking workplace practices. Its training approach encourages participants to reflect on leadership, diversity, bias, systems thinking, impact, and organisational culture, helping them identify practical steps for change within their own teams and workplaces.

Another key project presented was COOPSkills, an Erasmus+ initiative that promotes lifelong learning through Learning Companies and local Reskilling Labs. The project brings together municipalities, companies, educators, and local stakeholders to identify skills gaps and create learning opportunities, particularly for unemployed and in-transition workers. Through its focus on green and digital skills, COOPSkills supports new employment pathways and encourages stronger links between training, local needs, and the labour market.

A central part of the event was the panel discussion, “Bridging Inclusion and Employment: From Dialogue to Action,” moderated by Irini Iacovidou, Head of Projects Department at Eurosuccess Consulting.

The panel featured Anna Prodromou, DEI Expert and Trainer and President of the WICZ+ Foundation; Valerie Badilla, Founder & COO of Artemis Intelligence and Director at the European Network of Filipino Diaspora; and Constantina Elena Pirillou, Specialist in Migration and Immigration Services for EU, Non-EU, and Third-Country Nationals in Cyprus.

Together, the panelists explored the barriers that migrant women may face when entering or progressing in the labour market, including access to information, legal employment procedures, confidence, language, workplace culture, and professional networks. The discussion also addressed the employer perspective, focusing on how organisations can move beyond intention and take more practical steps towards inclusion.

Throughout the discussion, one message became clear: inclusion is not only an HR topic or a policy statement. It is a shared responsibility that requires awareness, leadership, communication, and consistent action from employers, employees, communities, and support organisations.

The event was also an opportunity to make this conversation more open, accessible, and human. By bringing different voices into the same room, the organisers aimed to contribute to a wider culture where conversations around diversity, migration, employment, and inclusion become easier to have and more connected to real action.

Following the panel discussion, participants joined a relaxed networking reception with drinks and bites. This allowed employers, professionals, migrant women, and community representatives to continue the conversation in a relaxed setting, exchange experiences, and build new connections.

We would like to sincerely thank all participants, panelists, collaborators, and supporters who contributed to the success of the event. Special thanks are extended to Anna Prodromou, Valerie Badilla, Constantina Elena Pirillou, and Irini Iacovidou for their valuable contributions to the panel discussion.

“Inclusion: Are We There Yet?” reminded us that while progress has been made, there is still important work to be done. Creating inclusive workplaces and equal opportunities requires continued dialogue, practical tools, and strong collaboration between employers, communities, and support organisations.