Gender mainstreaming at the local level: experiences of women’s empowerment in Barcelona and Umeå

At present the Agenda 2030 SDGs and the UN New Urban Agenda reiterate efforts for the achievement of gender equality globally, thus this research aims to present gender mainstreaming as an effective instrument for women’s empowerment at the local level with a view of promoting inclusive and sustainable urban development. Both international legal framework and feminist research on the advancement of women’s human rights will be taken into consideration to examine progress and gaps in policy. For the purpose of showcasing successful case studies of cities mainstreaming gender-sensitive policies and initiative, the urban areas of Barcelona and Umeå are identified as good practitioners for their commitment in the last decade to advance women’s empowerment on the ground, and for fostering participation and dialogue with local grassroots organisations.