Abstract Book of the 3rd World Conference on Gender Equality
Year: 2025
[PDF]
Policy Tools of Local Authorities to Develop Gender-Sensitive Regulations: A Special Mention of Local Competences in Spain
Sergio López Ramudo
ABSTRACT:
The concern for incorporating policies with a gender perspective at all levels reaches all administrations. The local power does not have the power to dictate laws, but this does not imply that this administration does not have regulatory instruments or cannot carry out actions focused on guaranteeing real and effective equality between women and men. The projection of these actions can be observed in two ways, on the one hand internally and within the organization itself, and on the other hand in the relations between the administration itself and the citizens. In the multiple competencies of local administrations (e.g., urban planning, sports, festivities, drawing up equality plans, etc.), policies with a gender perspective must be implemented, which have a significant impact on society. Regulatory competencies and the configuration of local power is unequal across countries and therefore special reference is made to the Spanish regulatory situation for local authorities. However, the actions referred to can be addressed transversally by the competent body in each country, being valid almost universally. It is imperative that the issue of inequality is addressed at all levels. To this end, municipal action will play an important role, as it is the administration closest to the citizens.
Keywords: council, equality plan, mainstreaming, municipal responsibilities, women’s needs