Local leaders champion women’s leadership across the EU

In view of the European Parliament's upcoming Gender Equality Week, the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) is mobilising local and regional representatives to champion women's leadership and celebrate the women who have helped shape Europe's cities and communities.

Under the overarching theme of "Leadership", 40 Young Elected Politicians (YEPs) from across the EU will join CoR President Kata Tüttő (HU/PES) on 4 November 2026 for a Youth Leadership Academy dedicated to promoting women's leadership. Through a series of events, the YEPs will have the opportunity to exchange experiences, draw inspiration from women leaders and explore how to advance gender equality in their own cities and regions.

From inspiring the next generation of leaders to celebrating women who have shaped Europe's communities, the CoR is putting gender equality into action at local level. CoR Members are also organising EU Local Dialogues across their cities and regions to mark the occasion, bringing the discussion closer to citizens and highlighting the role local and regional authorities play in building more equal and inclusive communities.

The dialogues will provide an opportunity to spotlight local initiatives, share experiences and encourage citizens to engage in shaping a future where women can lead and participate fully in political and public life. The EU Local Councillors network has also played a role in highlighting the importance of gender equality and women's leadership at local level.

Discover the EU Local Dialogues taking place across Europe:

11 October 2026, Turku (Finland): A City Made for Girls - A Girls' Day brunch discussion about urban spaces designed for girls

23 October 2026, Athens (Greece): Beyond quota, what next? Elected women in the Municipalities of Attica

2 November 2026, Miercurea Ciuc (Romania): Women Shaping Rural Communities: Leadership, Participation and Public services

5 November 2026, Bologna (Italy): Choices that count - Accounts to choose

6 November 2026, Sopot (Poland): Sopot Reset: Hacking the City. Workshops for Newly Elected Members of the Sopot Youth City Council

14 November 2026, Zagreb (Croatia): Equal Pay, Equal Opportunities - From European Policies to Local Change