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 Network was
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 decisionmaking.
1
Workshop Summary
A. 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
B. 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
C. 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
D. 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
E. 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.
2