Religious leaders of Cyprus, including representative of the Armenian church, made a first-ever joint statement on International Women's Day to condemn violence targeting women and girls.

The heads of Cyprus' Muslim, Orthodox, Latin Catholic, Armenian and Maronite Christian communities pledged to work with authorities to end violence against women and girls, AP reported.

The leaders stated that men and women are equal in the eyes of God.

"It is our responsibility not only to condemn violence in statements, but to ensure that we live by what we've signed here today," said Armenian Orthodox Archbishop Khoren Toghramadjian.