CEMR participation in the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities in the Council of Europe
At the 48th Session of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities in Strasbourg, CEMR reaffirmed its commitment to tackling violence against women in politics (VAWIP) and ensuring equal representation at all levels of governance.
Among the powerful voices at the session was Councillor Flo Clucas, Chair of the Standing Committee on Gender Equality at CEMR, who highlighted the growing threats faced by women in politics, from online harassment to direct physical violence. As she noted, 32% of women in politics have experienced violence, with cyberviolence becoming a major concern. These realities are discouraging women from standing for office, ultimately undermining democracy itself.
The Testimony of the Lord Provost of Glasgow
A particularly striking intervention came from the Lord Provost of Glasgow, who shared her personal experience of violence and intimidation as a local councillor and civic leader.
Through her participation in the Eurocities Women City Leaders Mentorship Programme, she has been working to empower the next generation of female leaders in city governance across Europe. Yet, despite this progress, she has personally faced harassment, misogyny, and threats, including attacks on her appearance, doxxing, and even direct calls for physical violence.
“Would this have happened if I were a man?” she asked, urging leaders to take decisive action.
Instead of stepping back, she chose to act, using her platform to push for a safer and more inclusive environment where women can thrive without fear.
The Power of Local Action: Sophie’s Stop
One of the most inspiring initiatives presented was Sophie’s Stop, a multi-media campaign and signposting app designed to help young women identify and respond to different forms of violence. Led by Glasgow Girls Club, it provides practical tools and support to those facing harassment or abuse. The campaign’s impact has been profound, with young women reporting that it has transformed their confidence and safety awareness.
A Whole-Society Approach for Change
The discussions in Strasbourg made one thing clear: change must happen at the local level. Governments, local authorities, civil society, and institutions like the Council of Europe and CEMR all have a role to play in ensuring that:
Women have equal access to political spaces
Threats and harassment are tackled with zero tolerance
Education and mentorship support young women in leadership
CEMR’s report, Women in Politics: Local and European Trends, underscores the urgency of these actions. Without them, women’s voices will remain unheard, and democracy itself will be weakened.
The fight for gender equality in politics is not just about representation, it’s about creating a political culture where women can lead without fear.
Beijing+30: Empowering Local Governments to Fulfil the Promise of Gender Equality
Walking into the halls of the United Nations for CSW69, it is impossible not to feel the weight of history. Thirty years ago, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (PfA) was hailed as a breakthrough—a promise that gender equality would no longer be an aspiration but an urgent global priority. Yet, three decades later, the struggle for women remains critical.
The 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) coincides with both the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and the start of Trump’s second mandate, which is actively undermining progress made in these 30 years. The U.S. refusal to support the CSW Political Declaration signals a broader rollback of gender rights. By opposing references to the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the U.S. seeks to decouple gender equality from international commitments on social and economic progress. Its insistence on defining women strictly as “biologically female” further marginalises disadvantaged groups, while framing gender-based violence as a migration issue shifts focus away from structural inequalities.
According to the Global Gender Gap Report 2024, full gender parity is still 134 years away, and political empowerment will take even longer—169 years. Women remain underrepresented in decision-making, particularly locally, where policies directly impact daily lives. Gender-based violence persists, with 1 in 3 women experiencing violence in their lifetime. These realities highlight the urgent need for stronger institutional responses and more significant local government action.
At CSW69, locally elected politicians gathered by UCLG, CEMR and PLATFORMA met to discuss how to push back against this regression. Gender equality is inseparable from local development and climate action, and dismantling these connections threatens hard-won gains.
Why Gender Equality Policies Need Local and Regional Governments
While international frameworks and national policies set the tone for gender equality, local governments are responsible for implementing changes that directly impact citizens. Without their involvement, gender policies will be ineffective and disconnected from local realities. Several key areas highlight this need:
Street Safety: Ensuring safe public spaces for women in all their diversity is a fundamental responsibility of local governments. From well-lit streets to community policing and secure public transport, municipal policies play a crucial role in reducing gender-based violence and harassment in public spaces.
Access to Childcare and Early Education: Affordable and accessible childcare remains a barrier for many women seeking employment as they remain the main caregivers in the household. Expanding early childhood education and care services at the municipal level allows women to participate in the workforce while ensuring children’s well-being.
Job Market Inclusion: Women continue to face wage gaps, discrimination, and limited career opportunities. Local governments can introduce gender-sensitive employment policies, support female entrepreneurship, and enforce equal pay regulations.
Political Representation: Women remain underrepresented in local decision-making bodies. Municipalities can adopt gender quotas, leadership training programs, and policies that encourage women’s active participation in politics.
Gender-Responsive Urban Planning: City planning must consider gender perspectives to ensure inclusive public spaces, transportation, and housing policies that support the needs of women and marginalised groups.
Access to Healthcare and Social Services: Local governments are crucial in ensuring gender-responsive healthcare, including reproductive health services, mental health support, and services for survivors of gender-based violence.
By integrating gender equality into local governance, municipalities can create inclusive environments that empower women and contribute to broader societal progress.
CEMR’s Key Messages at CSW69
CEMR brought a strong and urgent message to CSW69: gender equality cannot remain a distant goal—it must be implemented at the local level, where policies can have a direct impact on communities.
One of the most pressing concerns highlighted at CSW69 was violence against women, particularly in politics. Data from CEMR’s Women in Politics study revealed that 41% of women in politics experience psychological attacks on their personal lives, appearance, or status, leading to isolation and reduced political engagement. Cyberviolence, including doxxing, cyberstalking, and deepfake content, disproportionately affects younger women, with 67% of those under 24 reporting online abuse.
“The reality is that women in politics face a level of hostility that their male counterparts simply do not. This is a direct threat to democracy and inclusivity,” said Gunn Marit Helgesen, President of CEMR, during the Local and Regional Governments Day, organised within the conference. “We must act decisively to protect women who step up as leaders”. Despite the alarming statistics, only 29% of victims report violence, and even fewer—22%—see any consequences for the perpetrators.
Women’s political participation is a key priority for CEMR, which reiterated its call for equal representation at all levels of governance, pointing to data that shows women make up just 32% of local elected officials across Europe, with only 17.4% of mayors being women. Political participation at the local level is crucial because local governments are closest to citizens and best positioned to facilitate engagement.
To support structural change, institutional mechanisms for gender equality must be strengthened. CEMR has long advocated for integrating intersectionality into local and regional governance, ensuring that policies address multiple forms of discrimination. The European Charter for Equality of Women and Men in Local Life remains a key tool for municipalities committed to gender mainstreaming.
Beyond Europe, decentralised cooperation offers opportunities to advance gender equality through international partnerships. One example is the Les Elegides programme, a project led by the Mallorcan Fund of Solidarity and Cooperation (Spain) and the Association of Women Councillors in Bolivia -ACOBOL, among other organisations, aimed at increasing women’s participation in decision-making structures and fostering a democratic debate on gender issues at the local level.
Finally, achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 (Gender Equality) requires localised action. Local and regional governments are key players in raising awareness and building capacity to advance gender equality. Without their leadership, global goals risk remaining unfulfilled promises rather than tangible realities.
UCLG’s Programme and the CEMR Delegation’s Participation
United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), in partnership with CEMR and PLATFORMA, has organised a robust program at CSW69. Under the theme “Localising Beijing+30: The Municipal Movement Leads the Way to Equality and Democracy,” UCLG convened discussions on feminist municipal leadership, multilevel governance, and intergenerational commitments to gender equality. CEMR and UCLG elected politicians also participated in key events organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Cities Alliance, and other UN agencies.These events provided a platform to advocate for stronger local government involvement in gender-responsive policymaking and to exchange concrete examples of gender local actions from municipalities worldwide.
As part of the broader engagements surrounding CSW69, Boris Tonhauser, Director of PLATFORMA, participated in a meeting organised by the EU delegation at the UN. This gathering brought together key civil society actors present in New York for the conference. During the meeting, Boris presented CEMR’s study on women in politics to the EU Commissioner for Equality, Hadja Lahbib and the other organisations present at the meeting, emphasising the need for stronger local-level policies that support female leadership and participation in decision-making.
CSW Political Declaration: Protecting Gender Equality at the Local Level
The political declaration of CSW69 outlined the current challenges for the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action (PfA), and included Member States’ commitments to advancing gender equality. However, as Member States approved the declaration in the first days, CEMR, PLATFORMA and UCLG expressed their concern regarding language regressionsthat could undermine progress. While the commitments made in Beijing 30 years ago should be non-negotiable, recent years have shown that hard-won gains towards gender equality are being questioned and, in some cases, even reversed.
The past five years have been marked by global adversity—health and financial crises, renewed conflicts, and environmental degradation—all of which have disproportionately affected women and girls, widening gender gaps. This is why local and regional governments are calling for a reinforced commitment, ensuring that gender equality remains a global priority.
One of the main challenges of this year’s declaration is ensuring that local governments are explicitly recognised as essential actors in implementing gender policies. Without their involvement, international commitments risk remaining empty promises. Amidst the gender equality backlash, local and regional governments will continue to advocate for stronger recognition, financial commitments, and concrete actions that protect and advance women’s rights at the community level. It is only with local action, women’s leadership and global solidarity that gender equality can be achieved.
Conclusion: The Future of Multilateralism and the Role of Local Funding
The year 2025 is crucial for the future of multilateralism and gender equality. CSW69 is just one of many global forums where local governments must assert their role. Upcoming events such as the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) and the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) will be critical in ensuring that local authorities are recognised as development cooperation actors and receive the funding and resources needed to implement local and international gender equality policies effectively.
Local governments are on the frontlines of progress. If the world is to build on the achievements of the Beijing Platform for Action, funding for local initiatives must be a priority. By recognising the indispensable role of municipalities and regional authorities, the international community can ensure that gender equality is not just a distant goal but a lived reality in communities around the world.
The future of the EU budget is at a crossroads. As the European Commission launches consultations on the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), local and regional governments across Europe, represented by CEMR, are calling for a fundamental change: an EU budget that is inclusive, decentralised, and truly aligned with the needs of cities, municipalities, and regions.
This requires that future national plans and investment priorities in each Member State are not imposed from the top-down, but shaped through meaningful consultations with local and regional governments, just as the Partnership Principle ensures in Cohesion Policy. Only in this way can EU investments be fit for purpose and truly serve the people it is intended to benefit.
CEMR’s newly releasedposition paper on the post-2027 MFF sets out a clear vision for a reformed EU budget that strengthens multi-level governance and empowers local and regional governments as essential partners for effective spending of the EU budget on the ground. With growing social and economic inequalities, the need to accelerate climate adaptation, and increasing geopolitical instability, Europe cannot afford to sideline local and regional governments—the very actors that implement over 70% of EU policies on the ground.
National plans must include mandatory consultations to local and regional governments
The roadmap on the next MFF confirmed the European Commission’s ambition to establish single national plans for reforms and investments based on priorities defined at European level. The European Commission mentions the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) as a good example of an instrument linking investments and reforms and points out that two thirds of the EU budget (Cohesion Policy funds and the Common Agricultural Policy) could in the future be implemented according to the RRF approach. In this context, CEMR issues a final warning to the European Commission: the RRF model failed to ensure effective multi-level governance. CEMR found that, since consultation with local and regional governments was not mandatory, it simply did not occur in most of the Member States.
The European Commission must ensure that national plans and the definition of investment priorities in each Member State are developed through meaningful consultations withlocal and regional governments, similar to the Partnership Principle in Cohesion Policy. This is the only way to guarantee that EU investments are fit for purpose and meet the real needs of the population.
“The EU is more than its institutions and the 27 states—it belongs to its people, municipalities, cities, and regions. Decisions based solely on macroeconomic trends risk disconnecting it from citizens” — Gunn Marit Helgesen, CEMR President.
CEMR key priorities for the post-2027 EU budget
CEMR’s position paper, backed by national associations of local and regional governments across Europe, contains concrete proposals to reform the post-2027 EU budget and enhance its effectiveness:
Empowering municipalities, cities and regions not only as implementers but also as planners The Partnership Principle should be made mandatory across all EU-funded programmes to ensure that the funds effectively reflect the actual needs of local and regional governments.
Decentralising the Cohesion Policy Strengthening the capacity of local and regional governments to manage EU funds will ensure that investments address real local needs and promote balanced territorial development.
Diversifying EU instruments as part of the ambitious policy agenda for cities From shared management funds to increased direct funding, it would allow EU investment to reach local and regional authorities of all sizes, from all types of territories, both urban and rural.
Simplifying and easing EU funding mechanisms to reduce administrative burdens for both Managing Authorities and beneficiaries. CEMR proposals for simplification include: a single set of rules for beneficiaries across the different funds; flexibility in thematic concentration to allow place-based definition of priorities, hence accelerating funds disbursement; and a labelling of auditing processes as compliant with EU rules to avoid multiplication of auditing.
Enhancing synergies among EU funds. The next MFF must improve coordination between different EU funding instruments to maximise impact at the territorial level.
Take part in the public consultation
Local and regional governments must not be sidelined in shaping the post-2027 EU budget. The European Commission’s consultation must not be reduced to a bureaucratic exercise or a mere checkbox. Consultations alone are not enough. The next EU budget regulations must include a mandatory requirement to involve local and regional governments in defining the investments that will meet the real needs of the population.
Use this public consultation —open until May 7 2025— to demand a real seat at the table and a budget that truly serves our communities. A stronger, more inclusive Europe starts from the ground up. Speak up before it’s too late.
The Local Alliance presents its new Position Paper on the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2035
The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) as a member of the Local Alliance, a coalition of Europe’s eight leading local and regional networks, launches a position paper on the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF 2028–2034).
The document outlines the urgent need for a strong, future-proof EU budget to create a just, climate-neutral, and competitive Europe. It places a spotlight on the indispensable role of local and regional governments in delivering key EU priorities such as the European Green Deal, digital transformation, and territorial cohesion.
Why the next MFF matters:
Unmatched Local Impact: Local governments are already implementing 70% of European Green Deal legislation and account for 69% of climate-related public spending.
Better Quality of Life for Citizens: The MFF enables Local and Regional Governments to build greener cities, stronger economies, and more inclusive communities.
Resilience in Challenging Times: Amid an evolving and less secure political landscape, the next EU budget must prioritise support for local resilience and ensure no region is left behind.
A vision for a resilient and united Europe
Local and regional governments are not just implementers but vital partners in shaping a sustainable, competitive, and cohesive future for Europe. Investments at the local level drive real change, ensuring that the EU’s goals translate into tangible benefits for communities and citizens.
The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) is proud to have launched its second groundbreaking study Women in Politics: Local and European Trends, which provides important data and insights into women’s representation in politics across Europe from 2019 to 2024.
The study shines a light on both the progress and the persistent, systemic challenges, from underrepresentation in leadership to the rising issue of violence against women in politics – especially online abuse and cyberviolence.
This study comes at a critical time. While representation in local councils has risen to above 40% in some European countries, leadership roles at all levels still show a troubling gender gap. At the national level, women’s representation in parliaments averages around 33%, with notable disparities among countries. In the European Parliament, women currently occupy 38.5% of the seats, which is the first decrease in the proportion of women Members of the European Parliament since 1979.
Source: Women in Politics – Local and European Trends, page 14
Violence against women in politics, both physical and digital, remains a major deterrent to women’s political participation. The data collected shows that 32% of respondents have experienced violence during their political career, and of those that suffered some type of violence 29% experienced cyberviolence. As highlighted by one of the speakers, Dr Marta Mazurek, Councillor from Poznan, on “recognising the serious consequences of cyberviolence” signalling that the responsibility to combat online harassment lies not only with national bodies but also with local authorities dedicated to fostering inclusive governance.
Only 29% of those affected by violence had reported experiencing different types of violences, which may not only undermine their personal well-being but also their potential participation in politics. Angela Lowe, Senior Advisor at Women Political Leaders (WPL) emphasized that “the path towards a safe environment for women requires a collaborative effort,” underscoring the importance of working together across sectors to protect women in politics.
Source: Women in Politics – Local and European Trends, page 87
The Women in Politics study collected data from across Europe, presenting the importance and need for reliable data on women’s political representation and experience to ensure informed policies and targeted actions. Robin Devroe, a researcher at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), pointed to the broader impact of these challenges, noting that “these issues of gender-based violence contribute to a more global cycle of underrepresentation,” which weakens democratic structures and the inclusiveness of policymaking. Additionally, women from disadvantaged backgrounds—such as women of colour and LGBTQI+ women—are particularly vulnerable, facing unique and compounded challenges that further hinder their political participation.
The study also underscored that lasting change will require widespread engagement from everyone within society and the need to shift our mindset of the current social and cultural norms and attitudes towards more inclusive equality, with Sari Rautio from Hämeenlinna City Council in Finland stressing that “all genders, all girls and boys should be interested in working on gender balance”.
For a deeper understanding of these findings and practical recommendations, the Women in Politics: Local and European Trends report is now available on the CEMR website. This study serves as a call to action for governments, communities, and advocates to work together in building a political landscape that champions gender equality and safeguards women’s participation across all levels of governance.
Are women truly breaking through in politics, or are they still facing invisible barriers? Is violence just a private matter, or is it also hindering women’s participation in public life?
Join us for the exclusive launch of a groundbreaking study that uncovers the latest trends shaping women’s participation in politics—both locally and across Europe. Dive into the challenges, successes, and the evolving impact of violence on women’s political leadership.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this critical conversation shaping the future of leadership in Europe!
Celebrating Han Kang’s Nobel Prize: Advancing Equality and Inclusion
South Korean author Han Kang, known for “The Vegetarian” and “The White Book”, has become the 18th woman to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. You can see how many Female Nobel Laureates have been nominated since 1901 below.
Her powerful prose, recognised for confronting historical traumas and exploring human fragility, resonates deeply in today’s world. The Nobel Committee praised her innovative style and unique awareness of the connection between body, soul, life, and death.
Han Kang’s recognition highlights the ongoing struggle for gender equality in fields like literature, where women remain underrepresented. This achievement aligns with the values of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), which has long championed equality and inclusion. Through initiatives like the European Charter for Equality of Women and Men in Local Life, CEMR supports local governments in advancing gender equality and ensuring equal representation in decision-making.
Just as Han Kang’s work challenges societal norms, CEMR continues to advocate for a more inclusive, equal future for all.
The Urgent Need for Equal Representation in the European Commission
As the European Union prepares to form its next Commission, a troubling reality emerges, the potential gender imbalance at the highest levels of EU decision-making. The top ranks of the European Commission, composed of one official from each of the EU’s 27 member states, could include as few as seven women. Additionally, the Commission could see a strong presence of members from the European People’s Party (EPP), raising concerns about diversity and representation.
President-elect Ursula von der Leyen has given EU governments until 30 August to nominate candidates for the new Commission. However, as the deadline approaches, it is increasingly clear that gender equality may once again take a backseat in the composition of one of the EU’s most powerful institutions.
Our Stand on Gender Equality:
At the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), we believe that gender equality is not just a goal but a fundamental right. Women’s representation at all levels of governance is crucial for achieving a balanced and fair society. Unfortunately, the current trajectory of the European Commission suggests that we are far from this ideal.
CEMR has long been committed to empowering women and advancing gender equality. Our initiatives range from supporting women in politics to advocating for equal opportunities across all sectors. We strive to create a world where every woman can thrive, free from any form of threat or violence.
Why Representation Matters:
The European Commission plays a pivotal role in shaping policies that impact the lives of millions of EU citizens. A gender-balanced Commission is essential to ensuring that these policies are inclusive and representative of the diverse population they serve. The underrepresentation of women in all their diversity in such a critical institution not only undermines the EU’s commitment to gender equality but also weakens the legitimacy of its decisions.
Our Call to Action:
As we await the final composition of the new European Commission, we call on all EU member states to prioritise gender balance in their nominations. The EU must lead by example, showing that it values diversity and equality in its highest offices.
CEMR will continue to advocate for gender equality and support initiatives that empower women at all levels of governance. Together, we can create a more inclusive and just Europe.
German Association of CEMR (RGRE) Hosts 5th National Conference on European Charter for Equality
Celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Basic Law (Grundgesetz) for the Federal Republic of Germany, the German Association of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (RGRE) is set to host the 5th National Conference on the Implementation of the European Charter for Equality.
Initiated by CEMR in 2006, the Charter aims to empower European municipalities in their efforts to promote gender parity within their communities. It has received endorsements from over 2,000 municipalities spanning 36 European countries, with Germany contributing more than 60 signatures alone.
The two-day Conference, organised on the 25th and 26th of April, under the theme “Women – Truly equal?”, delves into the evolution of gender equality in Germany, addressing contemporary challenges amidst resurgent anti-feminist sentiments in Europe.
The conference will examine Germany’s progress and explore the broader European landscape of gender equality policies within EU institutions, focusing on gender equality-related amendments in 1994 to current anti-feminist challenges throughout Europe.
