Our world will never be the same after COVID-19 and we need to make sure it is better. We, local and regional leaders, are fully committed to lead the transformation from the bottom up. As identified in our UCLG Decalogue for the Post COVID-19 era, we know well that the sacrifices that are being asked from this and future generations need to lead to more just and equality-driven societies, where we take care of each other, care is valued and where everyone has the same rights and opportunities. The close link between health and our territories has never been more visible. Overcoming the health challenges can only be achieved with strong sanitary measures supported by sound public service provision that underpins the role of our cities and territories as caring and responsive environments. Gender equality was already taken up as a priority area for local and regional government networks and their members before the coronavirus crisis hit. In the current context, it remains as relevant as ever. We need to avoid any form of regression and make the connections between the equality of women and men in our societies and the stewardship of our communities and our planet. Instead of seeking to go “back to normal”, it is time to be ambitious and see gender equality as an integral part of the solution to the many challenges we face in terms of health, climate, economy and fundamental human rights. The already precarious livelihoods of women around the world are now worsening. Gender-based violence against women is increasing, often exacerbated by the precarious housing and confinement conditions, overburdening women with cooking, cleaning and care responsibilities. And yet; women represent the bulk of the often underpaid and undervalued health and care systems workforce, not to mention at the frontlines of other basic services, such as grocery stores, facing the unprecedented challenges head-on. They are also playing a critical role in neighborhoods’ cohesion and solidarity efforts, keeping us together and safe. Gender equality is not and ideal but a necessity which we, local and regional women elected officials, are committed to defend and promote for the benefit of our democracies and societies for everyone and everywhere. It is clear that health emergencies do not impact men and women in the same way and this simple acknowledgment will be critical to overcoming this and future pandemics. Empowered and safer women and children will lead to resilient and safer societies.
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Women’s Leadership for the Post COVID-19 Era
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