Europe’s towns and regions commit to building fairer societies through the European Charter for Equality
Equality between women and men is a fundamental right and a cornerstone of democracy. Yet, despite legal recognition, disparities remain in pay, representation, and everyday opportunities across Europe. Recognising the pivotal role of local and regional governments in tackling these inequalities, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) developed the European Charter for Equality of Women and Men in Local Life in 2006.
By signing the Charter, municipalities and regions make a public commitment to promoting equality across their policies, services and institutions, and to developing Equality Action Plans that transform principles into practice.
The Charter was drafted with the support of the European Commission and has since become a reference tool for towns and regions seeking to mainstream gender equality. It encourages signatories to act not only within their own administrations but also with local institutions, organisations and citizens.
Over the years, supporting tools have strengthened their implementation:
- An online Observatory launched in 2011 provides resources and examples of good practice.
- A toolkit of indicators, developed in 2014, helps monitor and evaluate progress.
- A 2022 update, funded by the EU, introduced amendments to strengthen the Charter, clarifying language and emphasising intersectionality under the guiding principle: “always gender, never gender alone.”
New provisions were also added, including the need to apply a gender lens in crisis management and to address gender perspectives in digitalisation and online life. From 2023 onwards, all new signatories commit automatically to both the original Charter and the 2022 amendments.
The European Charter for Equality demonstrates how local and regional democracy is crucial for advancing fairness in daily life, whether through housing, transport, health, or political participation. By embedding gender equality into decision-making and governance, towns and regions can both safeguard rights and unlock economic and social potential.
More than a symbolic document, the Charter is a practical instrument for change, mobilising local authorities across Europe to ensure that equality between women and men is not only a principle on paper but a reality in every community.
For more information, contact:
Gender, Diversity and Migration Officer
