Women mayors call for more inclusive urban leadership

Women mayors from across regions came together in Geneva during the 6^th UN Forum of Mayors for the event Women Mayors: Empowering Urban Leadership for a Sustainable Future. The discussion explored the barriers women continue to face both in reaching and exercising political leadership. Christina Kitsos, Mayor of Geneva and President of the Global Cities Hub, highlighted how persistent inequalities, including the unequal distribution of domestic responsibilities and the mental load carried by women, continue to shape women’s opportunities. She called for greater investment in family policies that advance equality between women and men.

The discussion made clear that reaching political office does not mean these challenges disappear. Women leaders continue to face gender-based scrutiny, from their authority and leadership styles being judged differently to sexist attacks, online threats and a disproportionate focus on their appearance rather than their ideas and policies. At the same time, the mayors challenged traditional perceptions of political leadership, emphasizing that empathy, sensitivity and listening are strengths in governing increasingly diverse and complex cities. Their experiences also highlighted the importance of solidarity and of women in leadership creating opportunities for others to follow. As Marta Prates, Mayor of Reguengos de Monsaraz, put it: “Our success cannot be only individual; it must become an opportunity for others.”

For the Global Cities Hub, the discussion illustrated why the voices and experiences of women mayors belong in international debates on equality, governance and sustainable development. Local governments are where many inequalities are experienced most directly, but also where policies can make a tangible difference in people’s daily lives. As both Mayor of Geneva and President of the Global Cities Hub, Christina Kitsos embodies this connection between local leadership and the international community in Geneva. Strengthening connections among mayors of all genders, international organisations and other partners can help ensure that global discussions and commitments are better informed by the reality’s cities and their residents face.