The SUBLIME Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) project is a European initiative that empowers local authorities in border towns and islands to lead sustainable development efforts aligned with the United Nations SDGs. The initiative emphasises the promotion of climate action, sustainable lifestyles, and gender equality through the engagement of citizens and policymakers at the local level. The project highlights the critical role of women as powerful agents of change in achieving sustainable development.
The project, coordinated by the Municipality of Lampedusa and involving ten partner countries, including the "Hope for Children" CRC Policy Center in Cyprus and ICLEI Europe, which compiled the report, supports local governments in translating global goals into local action.
The Gender Equality Report produced within the SUBLIME project, reviews the implementation of gender equality policies across the 10 partner countries. It examines national and regional policies, assessing the advancement of EU frameworks such as the Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025 (GES) and Gender Action Plan III (GAP III). The report identifies challenges faced by local governments in applying these policies and showcases various gender equality initiatives at the local level.
While progress in gender equality is visible, significant gaps remain. The report stresses that local authorities exhibit a propensity to promote change; however, they require more robust national directives, explicit obligations, and sustainable financial resources. The inclusion of local governments in EU policy cooperation is imperative for the translation of gender equality goals into a tangible impact on the ground.
In summary, SUBLIME emphasises that empowering women and involving local actors are key to advancing both gender equality and sustainable development.
Read the full report here: Gender Equality Report – SUBLIME Project (PDF)