1st International Forum

Dynamic Cities Need Women: Actions and Policies for Gender Equality

Brussels, December 3-5 2007

This was a joint initiative between the Government of the Brussels Capital Region, host of the Forum and the Metropolis Women International Network. The Metropolis Women International Networkwas a part of Metropolis, the World Association of Major Metropolises.

The main objectives of this International Forum were to promote a gender-sensitive approach and to present and discuss the best practices to empower women as citizens and decision-makers. The event drew over 700 participants: elected representatives, executives and decision-makers from central, local, metropolitan and regional governments, as well as organizations and scholars from all over the world. All participants discussed best practices and innovative policies and their impact on gender development and equal access to services in urban areas in order to make cities and metropolises livable for all.

Twenty workshops showcased successful strategies for women to use when faced with carious challenges and experiences in order to provide learning and networking opportunities for participants. The forum covered the following issues:

A. Social and Demographic Challenges
B. Economic Challenges
C. Urban Environment Challenges
D. Access to Services

The forum concluded with a Mayors’ Panel and the signing of the Brussels Declaration, which is a stated commitment by the signatories to take gender mainstreaming into account in future decision-making.

Workshop Summary

  1. Regional Workshop on “ Social and Democratic Challenges”

-Main presentation themes: Social and Economic Challenges of Ageing Populations; the gender dimension in immigration policies in Europe, North America (Chairperson, Ms. Michele Sabban); Gender and the Socio-legal Situation of Women in Africa, Gender Equity in Asia, Urban Poverty and Migration of Women

  1. Global Workshop on “Economic Challenges”

-Main presentation themes: Policies of Employment and Equality of Men and Women in Europe (Chairperson, Ms. Sabine De Bethune), Women and Entrepreneurship, Women and Technology, Work-family Situation, Education Training, and Employability

  1. Global Workshop on “ Urban Environment Challenges”

-Main presentation themes: Urban Environmental challenges (Chairperson: Ms. Maria Ignacia Benitez Pereira), Women, Water and Urban Waste Management, Urban safety, Natural disasters and reconstruction

  1. Global Workshop on “Access to Services”

-Main presentation themes: Some elements of best practices in improving women’s access to housing (Chairperson, Ms. Cecilia De Wulf-Roux), Women and Urban mobility, Basic education, Health, Gender and Resource Allocation

  1. Mayor’s Panel

In conclusion, all participants re-affirmed the importance of equal opportunities, and fundamental rights for men and women in all aspects of public and private life. The final Declaration of the International Forum was adopted.

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