Equality of women and men in local life

In a momentous and symbolic year for gender equality and women’s empowerment, the European Commissioner for Equality Helena Dalli presented the EU's highest-level policy communication on gender equality in years with its 2020-2025 Gender Equality Strategy.

In our analysis of the Strategy, we highlight the elements most relevant for local and regional governments.

With a focus on specific actions, systematic mainstreaming of gender and, for the first time, an intersectional approach, the Strategy sets out ambitious goals and places equality squarely at the centre of the EU’s political priorities for the next five years.

The proposed initiatives offer a number of networking and funding opportunities for local and regional governments. However, their recognition as key strategic partners is lacking and promising local initiatives for promoting gender equality, such as the European Charter for Equality of Women and Men in Local Life, are not mentioned.

The Strategy will be discussed and amended in the European Parliament and Council in the coming months. We will exchange with our members in order to determine CEMR’s reaction to the Strategy and suggest amendments to make sure the Strategy also contributes to genuine equality beyond Brussels, namely in our cities and regions.