​​Women remain significantly underrepresented in local decision-making bodies across the EU. They account for only 1/3 of political decision-makers in Europe and around 15% of mayors. Local and regional authorities have a crucial role to play in the achievement of these objectives, as they are key actors to ensure a well-functioning democracy and a more effective policy-making.

In an effort to promote gender equality, the European Commission recently presented the EU Equality Strategy 2020–2025. To contribute to the promotion of gender balance, the European Committee of the Regions adopted the "Strategy for a gender balance in Members' participation in the CoR", aiming at enhancing gender parity in the nomination of CoR Members.

The webinar "Gender parity in politics: the state of play" aimed at showcasing how regions and cities are moving forward gender parity and what are the best practices to increase women participation in local and regional politics.

Ms Concha Andreu, CoR Rapporteur of the Opinion "A Union for Equality: Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025" shared her view on the European Strategy on Gender Equality and highlighted the key role of local and regional leaders in the achievement of the objectives of the Strategy. Ms Jaimie Just, Policy Advisor on Equality and Diversity at the Council of European Municipalities and Regions, presented the key findings of the study “Women in Politics: Local and European Trends". Ms Sally Kneeshaw, URBACT Programme Expert, gave an overview of the "Gender Equal Cities" initiative and shared best practices for local leaders on how to increase women participation in local politics and on gender-sensitive policy making at city level.

WATCH THE VIDEO RECORDING OF THE WEBINAR!