Municipalities Can Lead by Example: The European Charter for Equality of Women and Men in Local Life
Today, at the World Forum for Democracy in Strasbourg, France, CEMR’s Bella Tskhelishvili shared insights into a powerful instrument for local change: the European Charter for Equality of Women and Men in Local Life. “Gender equality is more than an ambition—it’s a necessary foundation for democratic and inclusive communities,” Bella affirmed.
Since its launch in 2006, the Charter has empowered over 2,035 local and regional governments in 36 countries to commit to gender equality. With updates in 2022 that tackle issues like cyber violence, workplace flexibility, and climate change, the Charter has adapted to modern challenges, making it a living document that continues to evolve.
Empowering Local Governments
Local governments are uniquely positioned to lead in promoting gender equality. Initiatives inspired by the Charter, such as gender-responsive budgeting in Ixelles and stereotype prevention in Sienna, exemplify how local measures can drive tangible results. The Observatory of the European Charter for Equality supports municipalities with tools and frameworks to develop and track action plans, ensuring impactful progress.
A Call for Continued Action
Despite challenges such as resource constraints and opposition from anti-gender movements, the drive for gender equality persists. As Bella highlighted, “Our journey to equality requires resilience, collaboration, and unwavering commitment.”
Disseminating the Charter throughout Europe and beyond is crucial. By expanding the reach of the European Charter for Equality and forging international connections, CEMR demonstrates that this mission is global. The Euro-Mediterranean Charter for Equality and the Local Authorities Charter for Gender Equality in Africa underscore this commitment, promoting shared values and actionable strategies across diverse regions. These efforts reflect CEMR’s vision to inspire a world where every local government embraces and advances gender equality
For more on the Charter, visit the European Charter for Equality.
Learn more about global initiatives at the Euro-Mediterranean Charter for Equality and the Local Authorities Charter for Gender Equality in Africa.
Advisor – Eastern Partnership and Geographical Dialogues
