The work for increased gender equality must include all activities in cities and regions. That was one of the messages when ICLD had the first live streamed panel discussion in the series “Local Democracy Talks” the 2 March.
Under the leadership of ICLD’s Secretary General Johan Lilja, a five-headed panel discussed the topic “If gender champions rule our cities: Key policies to create a more equal world from below”.
The Swedish Embassy in Kenya was a co-organizer. In her introductory speech, Ambassador Caroline Vicini emphasized that the deep cooperation between the countries is not primarily about building roads and bridges: “We cooperate more on human rights, gender equality and good governance.”
It’s basically about justice!
Across the African continent, work is now underway to increase gender equality, through among others UCLG Africa (United Cities and Local Governments), which also wa a co-organizer of the panel discussion. Jacqueline Mustache Belle, the incoming Director of the Gender and Youth Department, highlighted the three most important initiatives: “We must reduce the number of street children, introduce zero tolerance against domestic violence and we must increase the economic empowerment of women.”
These initiatives are close to ICLD’s own priorities in the area, including the ongoing “Gender mainstreaming” program involving the province of Makueni in southeastern Kenya. The province’s Deputy Governor Adelina Mwau Ndeto has for many years, in various roles, worked for greater equality: “Gender equality is not about women, it is about both men and women. It’s basically about justice!”
Please read more interesting comments from the panel debate or watch the webcast on this page.
More information about Local Democracy Talks you can find here.
Source: ICLD.