Carina Ohlsson: Steering the CoR’s Gender Equality Action Plan

The European Committee of the Regions (CoR), as the EU's assembly of local and regional representatives from all 27 Member States, is committed to promoting gender equality and women's political participation in its work and political initiatives. In 2023 the CoR has put in place a dedicated Gender Equality Action Plan, which outlines the pathway towards to improve gender equality at the Committee of the Regions. To support this process the Bureau appointed a special Bureau rapporteur on the CoR Gender Equality Action Plan, Ms Carina Ohlsson (SE/PES), Member of the Lidköping Municipal Council. Ms Ohlsson also served as rapporteur on the CoR opinion on Strengthening women's rights in the EU: A local and regional perspective, adopted on 14 October.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and tell us how you are engaged in the topic of gender equality?

My name is Carina, and I come from Lidköping, Sweden. I have been politically engaged for many years and have dedicated much of my life to advancing gender equality. I served as the National President of S-kvinnor for 8 years and as the National President of Unizon for 12 years. I am currently the Chair of the local women's shelter, and I have also served on working groups of Elitfotboll Dam, the organization responsible for elite women's football in Sweden.

Through all these roles, I have worked to improve the lives of women and girls, strengthen their rights, and challenge the structures that allow discrimination, harassment, and even deadly violence against women simply because they are women. Gender equality has never been just a political issue for me—it is a human rights commitment that guides everything I do.

What does it actually look like when gender equality works in a city council meeting?

When gender equality truly works in a city council meeting, it becomes visible in both representation and everyday practice. It means that women and men have the same space to shape the debate and influence decisions. It means that representation is balanced, ensuring that the council reflects the diversity of the community and that different perspectives are genuinely included.

It also means that the city council is willing to address difficult and uncomfortable issues—including those that affect women disproportionately—and to do so with the understanding that these discussions will influence both the immediate situation and the long-term development of the municipality. When gender equality works, decision-making becomes more democratic, more responsible, and ultimately more effective for everyone.

What's one subtle or surprising challenge when it comes to promoting to gender equality that people often overlook?

One subtle but very real challenge in promoting gender equality is the assumption that equality automatically happens once women are "included." People often overlook how deeply rooted norms still shape who is listened to, whose ideas are taken seriously, and whose experiences are considered universal.

Addressing gender equality therefore requires not only formal representation, but also a cultural shift: creating a space where women's voices carry equal weight, where difficult issues affecting women are not minimized, and where equality is understood as an active practice rather than something that simply "happens" when numbers look right.

Is the CoR on a good path to achieve its objectives set out in the Gender Equality Action Plan?

The CoR is on a good path, and a great deal of important work is already being done. But we are far from finished. We will only be satisfied when the progress made is truly felt in women's everyday lives.

What are the next steps to take for European regions and cities, and the CoR as their EU representative, as regards gender equality?

Today, we find ourselves in a moment where gender equality is actually moving backwards in many parts of the world. This means that European regions, cities, and the Committee of the Regions must both defend the rights we have already achieved and continue moving forward. The key is to strengthen women's power over their own lives, which depends on having a secure income and the ability to live free from violence.

The next steps should focus on integrating gender equality into all local and regional policy areas, investing in women's economic independence, improving the response to gender-based violence, and ensuring that women's voices are fully represented in political decision-making. The CoR can provide crucial leadership by supporting regions and cities to keep gender equality at the heart of Europe's democratic development.