An international conference of the Femcities network on the topic of citizen empowerment and working with young people was held in Vienna. Femcities, of which the institution of the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality is also a member, is a network that focuses on the role of city and municipal administrations in supporting women and girls and promoting gender equality.

Our colleague Sanja Stanković, Head of the Project Preparation Group, participated in the conference and, during the thematic session dedicated to working with young men and boys, presented the results of research on men’s perceptions of gender equality in Serbia. On that occasion, she highlighted the importance of involving men in the processes of achieving gender equality and re-examining social attitudes and habits that continue to create inequality.

Understanding men’s attitudes and their active involvement in processes of change are important prerequisites for sustainable progress towards a more equal society. In this context, the presentation served as an excellent opportunity to exchange experiences with international partners on how institutions and communities can translate equality from theory into everyday life.

It was officially announced that Belgrade will host the next, 30th anniversary Femcities conference during EXPO 2027.

Stanković also attended the anniversary conference “Celebrating Achievements, Shaping the Future”, held at Vienna City Hall, which was dedicated to the city’s long-standing successful implementation of gender equality and gender-responsive budgeting.