Some events stand out for their glamour; others leave a deeper impression through the people and stories they bring into the spotlight. For more than two decades, the Madame Figaro Women of the Year Awards have brought these two qualities together, honouring women whose work, determination and contribution deserve recognition.
The 21st Madame Figaro Women of the Year Awards 2026 ceremony took place on 15 October at the Strovolos Municipal Theatre in Cyprus, bringing together distinguished figures from science, business, culture, sport and community service.
CDM Medical Group was delighted to participate as an official sponsor of the event, supporting an institution that celebrates women’s creativity and highlights the importance of equal opportunities and representation across all areas of society.
For our Group, this participation held special significance. Through our daily work in medicine, healthcare and aesthetic care, we understand the value of scientific progress, dedication and individual effort. Having the opportunity to support an event that honours these very qualities was an important moment for our team.
Celebrating Women Who Are Forging New Paths
The Madame Figaro Women of the Year Awards are among Cyprus’s longest-running initiatives recognising women’s achievements. For 21 years, they have introduced the public to women from diverse backgrounds, with different experiences and career journeys, united by their desire to create, grow and make a meaningful contribution.
This year’s theme, “Every Step, a Path”, captured that spirit particularly well. Each achievement can inspire another woman, each personal challenge overcome can open up new possibilities, and every milestone can help create a world with greater opportunities.
During the ceremony, important milestones in the history of women’s rights were highlighted, reminding us that many opportunities available today are the result of years of perseverance and campaigning. The awards also celebrated contemporary examples of women distinguished by their knowledge, talent, leadership and commitment to society.
This year’s event, presented by Nespresso, welcomed figures from a wide range of professional and social backgrounds. The ceremony was hosted by Andreas Georgiou and Isabella Fülöp, with artistic direction by Konstantinos Rigos.
Public engagement was equally remarkable, with 64,937 readers taking part in this year’s voting. This level of participation reflects the enduring appeal of the awards and the public’s desire to celebrate women whose work makes a difference in many different fields.
Dr. Lina Nassouli Presented the Scientist / Academic of the Year Award
One of the evening’s highlights for CDM Medical Group was the participation of Dr. Lina Nassouli, Scientific Director of Advanced Hair Clinics in Cyprus, in the presentation of the XM Scientist / Academic of the Year award.
Dr. Nassouli took to the stage alongside Menelaos Menelaou, Co-Chief Executive Officer of XM, to present this prestigious distinction to Evelina Charidimou, Assistant Professor at the University of Nicosia, whose area of expertise is Nutritional Biochemistry and Metabolism.
This presentation held particular meaning for our Group, bringing together two women with active roles in the scientific community: Dr. Nassouli, with her career in medicine and scientific leadership, and Evelina Charidimou, whose contribution to research and academia has earned recognition.
Their meeting on the awards stage highlighted the importance of recognising scientific dedication, especially in fields where research and the continuing pursuit of knowledge play a meaningful role in advancing medicine.
Evelina Charidimou: An Internationally Recognised Scientific Career
Evelina Charidimou’s award was a significant acknowledgement of her research and contribution to the scientific community.
As an Assistant Professor at the University of Nicosia, her research focuses on Nutritional Biochemistry, Metabolism and Epigenetics. Among other areas, she investigates how metabolic processes relate to gene function and the development of metabolic disorders.
She studied at Imperial College London and earned her PhD from the University of Cambridge. She has also held a Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellowship and secured substantial research funding totalling more than €1 million.
Her career has included scientific distinctions in Cyprus and internationally, reflecting the value of sustained commitment to research.
Behind achievements like these lie years of study, ongoing challenges and a deep dedication to a particular scientific field. Recognising that effort matters, because it brings attention to researchers whose work helps us understand human health more fully.
For CDM Medical Group, taking part in the recognition of a woman with such a distinguished scientific career was a genuine honour.
The CDM Medical Group Team at This Special Event
Our Group’s participation was reflected not only in its official sponsorship, but also in the presence of colleagues who have played an important part in its journey and development.
Joining Dr. Lina Nassouli were Dr. Eleanna Siouna, Vivi Mouriki and Konstantinos Filis. Vivi and Konstantinos are two highly valued members of CDM Medical Group who have been with the organisation for many years and made a meaningful contribution to its growth.
Their presence was particularly meaningful, as an organisation’s achievements are inseparable from the people behind them. Through their knowledge, experience, consistency and everyday teamwork, they help uphold our values and move our shared work forward.
For us, long-standing working relationships are an important part of who we are. The trust built over time, the experiences we share and our mutual appreciation give real meaning to the idea of a team.
The participation of Dr. Eleanna Siouna, Vivi Mouriki and Konstantinos Filis was a wonderful opportunity to represent CDM Medical Group together at an event dedicated to recognising personal achievement and social contribution.
Why Events That Recognise Women’s Contributions Matter
The significance of an event such as the Madame Figaro Women of the Year Awards extends beyond the recognition of each year’s winners. It gives women’s stories a public platform and encourages discussion about equal opportunities, professional development and women’s representation in leadership roles.
Despite the progress made over recent decades, women remain underrepresented in a number of scientific and professional fields. According to figures presented by the UNESCO Institute for Statistics in 2026, women accounted for 31.4% of researchers worldwide in 2023.
This figure is a reminder that strengthening women’s participation in research and scientific leadership remains an important challenge.
Highlighting the achievements of successful women can provide valuable role models, particularly for younger generations. A schoolgirl interested in biology, medicine or technology deserves to see that women have followed these paths and achieved ambitious goals.
The importance of such encounters is also supported by international research. A study published in The Economic Journal in 2023, based on an intervention in French schools, found that meeting women working in scientific fields could positively influence girls’ perceptions and, in some cases, their educational choices.
An awards ceremony cannot, on its own, eliminate inequalities. It can, however, make women’s achievements more visible and create opportunities for dialogue, encouragement and meaningful recognition.
When initiatives of this kind are sustained over time, they can help build a society in which more women feel able to pursue their ambitions and develop their potential.
Empowering Women Through Health, Knowledge and Care
CDM Medical Group’s support for initiatives that celebrate women is closely connected to the values that guide our everyday work.
Through Cosmetic Derma Medicine and Advanced Hair Clinics, we work every day with women of different ages and backgrounds who seek reliable medical information, personalised care and genuine support tailored to their needs.
Our experience has shown us that care goes beyond providing a treatment. It involves understanding individual needs, building trust, upholding scientific responsibility and respecting each person’s choices.
Women also play a vital role in the development of healthcare as doctors, researchers, healthcare professionals and leaders. Their expertise, experience and daily contribution help improve services and advance medicine.
Dr. Lina Nassouli’s participation in the presentation of the Scientist / Academic of the Year award reflected this beautifully. It was a moment in which one woman’s scientific journey became part of the celebration of another woman’s achievements, before an audience gathered to honour women’s contributions.
Proud to Have Taken Part in the Madame Figaro Awards 2026
CDM Medical Group’s participation in the 21st Madame Figaro Women of the Year Awards 2026 was a memorable experience for our organisation.
We are especially pleased to have supported, as an official sponsor, an established event with an important social message, and to have been represented by people who contribute every day to our Group’s growth and progress.
Our warmest congratulations go to Evelina Charidimou on her outstanding scientific distinction, and to every woman who received an award or was nominated. Their individual journeys are inspiring examples of perseverance, creativity and dedication.
CDM Medical Group will continue to support initiatives that promote knowledge, scientific progress, social contribution and equal opportunities.
Every step a woman takes towards achieving her goals can, through her own journey, inspire many others to follow.
