Strong Women, Strong Europe: Women’s Local Leadership for Inclusive Regional Development

Women’s local leadership is not only a matter of representation, but a key driver of inclusive regional development. This session explores how gender equality and women’s leadership can strengthen the effectiveness of Cohesion Policy through concrete local governance tools. Drawing on the Women-Friendly Cities Programme and comparative municipal experiences, it highlights how equality mechanisms, local action plans and multi-level cooperation can translate policy objectives into measurable outcomes. Through an interactive debate, the session will generate practical insights on how place-based, gender-responsive governance can contribute to stronger, more balanced and resilient regions.