Lasagabarter & Hidalgo ©Jean-Baptiste Gurliat/Mairie de Paris
The World Organization of United Cities and Local Governments has always contributed to the work of the United Nations, in development, sustainability, peace and of course gender equality. The MoU signed by the Vice Mayor of Paris and Chair of the Standing Committee on Gender Equality on behalf of the Organization, marks an important step forward as it will structure the relation with UN Women. It places special emphasis to developing information on the participation of women in local leadership.
The hope is that more data and correct analysis will support development of sound empowerment policies.
The agreement also provides a framework to develop joint advisory services, trainings and capacity development programmes to empower women.
Under the MoU UCLG will call partner countries and organizations to work with together in the promotion of basic services tailored to women empowerment and we will pay particular attention to women safety. The violence against women needs to be tackled and gender sensitive planning and service provision will be key to achieving that.
Anne Hidalgo said: "This agreement we are signing today is not an end in itself but rather a vehicle, an important instrument to support and inspire our work together". Begoña Lasagabarter of UN Women stated that the collaboration with local authorities is strategic to achieving equality. "Equality is a human right" she stressed.
Source: women.uclg.org