Mayors and presidents of municipalities of Serbia signed a Charter of Women’s Solidarity today, pledging to cooperate and work together, regardless of their party affiliation, to achieve full gender equality in 21st century Serbia.
The signing of this charter is the first step in the establishment of the Network of Mayors and Presidents of Municipalities in Serbia, which was initiated by the Minister of State Administration and Local Self-Government, Marija Obradović, with the support of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Serbia.
“The signing of the Charter of Women’s Solidarity is a small symbol of good will among 22 mayors and presidents of municipalities in Serbia. In Serbia, we have reached the quantity when it comes to gender equality, and that is for pride, but with this network of women we want to make the quality of their work, which is not in question, more visible,” said Minister Marija Obradović.
Obradović added that this is a new moment in history because we have never had 22 mayors and presidents of municipalities in Serbia. She stated that the Ministry today, with the support of the UNDP, gathered these ladies who lead cities and municipalities with the aim of getting to know each other but also to understand that they have sisterly support, and invited them to connect and exchange experiences.
“It is up to you to develop contacts, to understand that you have a sister in 21 places who can help, as well as 15 sisters who are in this position for the first time and that MPALSG is your parents’ house, whose doors are open and where we can we will help you and support you “, said Obradović.
“UNDP is committed to achieving gender equality, and one way to achieve that goal is to increase the number of women in leadership positions, as well as their empowerment and networking. In partnership with the Ministry of Public Administration and Local Self-Government, UNDP will assist the work of the Network of Mayors and Presidents of Municipalities, by upgrading their knowledge and skills and supporting communication among members. By signing the Charter of Women’s Solidarity, women at the head of local self-governments in Serbia confirmed their readiness to act in solidarity, determination, and courage, and to encourage other women in public and political life to unite and be a role model for future generations of women. We believe that joint action, mutual support, and exchange of ideas and good practices will help them successfully lead their cities and municipalities towards sustainable socio-economic development, improving the quality of life of citizens and promoting gender equality in local communities,” said Francine Pickup. UNDP Resident Representative in Serbia.
The aim of today’s gathering was to connect and exchange experiences of women who were elected mayors and mayors, of which there are 22 in Serbia, in order to determine further steps in their mutual cooperation and to specify the type of support they need most to overcome challenges. in their local communities.
