On April 3 2013, more than 200 people gathered in Barcelona within the framework of the symposium organised by the Metropolis Women International Network, to discuss and deliberate on policies regarding public space and urban development from a gender perspective.

The symposium on “Safe Cities within the Sphere of Public Space and Gender” was opened by Dr. Joan Clos, Executive Director of UN-Habitat.

The Metropolis Annual Meeting in Johannesburg will constitute the next phase of work for the Metropolis Women International Network, and will continue to address the issue of safety in urban planning and gender. Local authorities, experts and academics from around the world will come together to discuss issues related to the theme of “Safer Cities for Women” on 16 July 2013. The session seeks to identify successful practices, to share the lessons drawn from recent policy-making and to provide an overall assessment of the progress accomplished in this area.

Watch the video highlights of the symposium, subtitled in English: