“Sexism and violence in politics are structural and systemic issues which exclude women from political life and lead to the loss of talented elected representatives and female perspectives,” said Cecilia Dalman Eek, Vice-President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, taking part in the 2025 Annual Conference of the Gender Equality Commission (GEC), held on 17–18 September in Siġġiewi, Malta.
This year’s conference focused on “Tackling sexism and violence against women: an essential step towards equal participation” and brought together leading voices from politics, civil society and international institutions to address persistent barriers to women’s full and equal participation in political life.
Speaking in the panel on the role of political parties and institutions in tackling sexism and violence, Vice-President Dalman Eek stressed that these organisations “need to ensure effective accountability systems, provide gender-sensitive training, and make clear to men, women, boys and girls alike the positive outcomes of participation of women in political life and public service.”
Ms Dalman Eek also highlighted the Congress’ ongoing efforts to promote gender equality at local and regional levels, including through policy development, peer exchanges, and capacity building for elected representatives and political groups.
