About

The Women Mayors’ Network (WoMN) is an international, nonpartisan peer network to support women who are running governments at the urban level and who are #LeadingDifferently.

Through its focus on the capacity and experience of women mayors, WoMN is unlike any other cities-based association. It is open to current women mayors of nationally significant urban centers. It will offer members a space for networking, and a platform for policy forums, innovation, cross-regional collaboration, and lesson learning.

WoMN members will also have access to technical expertise that will enhance and deepen their effectiveness as executive officers. The WoMN will host a biennial summit where members can meet, connect and innovate. By harnessing the reach of its worldwide membership leading a rapidly urbanizing global population, the Network will be a global political force working to build democratic resilience through inclusive and accountable urban government.

It is estimated that by 2030, more than 75% of the world’s population will live in cities. Urbanization provides new opportunities for human development for many citizens and the potential for new forms of social inclusion, including through greater gender equality. There is a higher proportion of women within the urban population overall, and a concentration of women-headed households in urban centres. However, too often the shape of urban development excludes women and other marginalized communities. Women’s perspectives and voices are significantly under-represented in urban leadership, as worldwide, women make up less than five percent of mayors.

Women Mayors' Network Commemorates World Cities Day 2018