On 5–6 June 2025, the FemCities Conference gathered representatives from European cities, equality bodies, NGOs and research institutions in Athens to address one of the most pressing issues in public governance: gender-based violence. Under the theme “Gender-Based Violence: Strategies for Policy Responses” participants explored local-level initiatives, shared emerging practices and examined institutional responses across different contexts.
DiGiN was present with a dedicated poster and meaningful exchanges around our assessment tool and the 7P Framework, reinforcing our commitment to institutional transformation through local governance.
From Local Realities to Shared Challenges
Throughout the sessions, it became clear that municipalities operate within highly diverse legal, political and institutional landscapes. In France, legal obligations for municipalities to protect their workers from gender-based violence are already in place. The City of Nantes, for instance, has embraced an intersectional approach, with a city-wide ambition to become non-sexist by 2030 and a clear zero-tolerance declaration endorsed by the Mayor demonstrating how high-level political will can drive systemic change.
In contrast, in other contexts such as Greece, protections are theoretically ensured under international conventions such as the ILO Convention No. 190, but local implementation and awareness-raising activities within the public sector remain limited. In Slovenia’s capital Ljubljana, progress is driven by the dedication of committed professionals who combine education with direct engagement, while cities like Vilnius emphasise the role of individual leadership and political momentum to initiate change.
A Need for Institutional Anchoring
What emerged from multiple city experiences is the importance of formal structures, internal procedures and defined roles. From “Women Confidants” in Austrian workplaces to interdisciplinary councils and declarations in France, mechanisms vary but serve a common purpose: creating safer working environments and holding institutions accountable. However, even in the most advanced cases, sustained impact often requires strong pressure whether from internal staff, civil society or legal frameworks.
Why This Matters for DiGiN
These insights reaffirm the importance of DiGiN’s work: supporting municipalities to build internal DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) capacities that are not only values-driven but also structurally grounded. Our DEI Assessment Tool, the upcoming guideline on affinity group coalitions and the UniSAFE 7P Framework provide a roadmap for embedding gender-based violence prevention and response within municipal structures. These resources were met with interest and demand during the event, particularly from those cities looking for concrete guidance on how to move from vision to practice.
Building Collaborative Infrastructure
Rather than focusing on deficits, the conference underscored the value of cooperation between cities. Peer learning, mutual support and structured collaboration such as what DiGiN fosters can help close existing gaps, especially for smaller municipalities with limited resources or capacity.
Final Thoughts
FemCities 2025 was a reminder that change at the local level is not only possible, it is already happening. From community outreach to internal policy reform, municipalities are carving out their role as active agents in the fight against gender-based violence. At DiGiN, we are proud to stand alongside them in this journey, offering tools, knowledge and solidarity to ensure that no city is left behind.
