EUROCITIES 2nd Mayors Summit – The Cities: ‘A Place for Women’

BIDs Belgium attends Eurocities 2nd Mayors Summit in Brussels 

20/03/2019

A first for BIDs Belgium to attend the Eurocities 2nd Mayors Summit held here in Brussels. Included within the ‘Cities4 Europe’ initiative of the organisation. What was special about this Mayors Summit? Well it was one of the very few Summits that was an all Female panel. In Brussels to launch the Eurocities political manifesto ahead of the European elections and to present the results of the network of Cities work in assisting to bridge the gap between Europe and it’s citizens, according to Eurocities.

Which Mayors attended and who where the others that participated? The Eurocities President, who also happens to be the Mayor of Stockholm Anna Köning; Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau, whom we had the pleasure to meet; Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council; Emily O’Reilly, European Ombudsmen. The session included contributions from Rafal Trzaskowski, the Mayor of Warsaw, Laura Sullivan, Director of We Move EU, Asher Craig, Deputy Mayor of Bristol and Lauren Ross Eurocities you Ambassador.The session was moderated by our BIDs Belgium friend Joanna Maycock, the Secretary General of the incredibly active European Women’s Lobby.

It was Incredibly interesting to listen to the the challenges and successes of these city leaders. Facing similar experiences in their experience as women climbing the ladder. Talking openly and sharing their experiences together was quite a unique experience, creating an intimate atmosphere within the location that had a full house with the mixed audience of EU officials, public and private sectors and many of the citizens who came along.

Key takeaways from the event from the City perspective was the commitment from the Cities they represent and others, must build on the sustainability and resilience. Cities leaders should encourage and practice participative democracy with an inclusive aspect. Connecting with Citizens is crucial. Also linking to the Gender Equal Cities, in which we’ll write more about in a separate post.

Here’s to more female city leaders and mayors across Europe!