Looking back on an intense learning phase

GenderedLandscape: Looking back on an intense learning phase

Dr Mary Dellenbaugh-Losse

It’s hard to believe that we are more than halfway done with our work in the URBACT GenderedLandscape Action Planning Network! Despite not being able to see each other in person for eighteen months, we have covered a lot of ground on the topic of integrating gender into urban policies.

In contrast to 2020, where digital meetings were new and often a bit rough around the edges, 2021 saw the network get into a smooth rhythm of monthly digital meetings alternating between two-hour master classes and full day transnational meetings. We have hosted more than 30 speakers on topics ranging from the long- and short-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on gender equality in cities to strategies for reaching gender parity in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) fields and produced four case study videos which are freely available on our YouTube channel. We are so thankful for all of the talented women and men who have shared their knowledge, research and experience with us during our network journey!

Parallel to this rich learning experience, all six partners worked on their Integrated Action Plan drafts, work which was supported by deep dive workshops on various aspects of the action planning cycle with Eileen Crowley, Ian Graham, and Béla Kézy.

After the summer break, lead expert Mary Dellenbaugh-Losse travelled to La Rochelle in France to host the post-holiday-break transnational meeting hybridly together with the local team. Her work on the local case study together with Digital Support Expert Ian Graham helped to provide the other partners with a glimpse of the work the French team are doing on the ground.

Finally, in November 2021, all of the partners were finally able to come together in person again. The in-person transnational meeting in Barcelona was a big highlight. The chance to physically visit case studies and have all the important and missing side-line chats at coffee and lunch breaks was something I am sure all of the partners valued. Thank you to the CdA La Rochelle and Barcelona Activa teams for their excellent planning and organisation!

The adventure continues in 2022! We’re excited to be planning another physical meeting, this time in Vienna, and also to invite you all to join us for our hybrid final event in Umea, Sweden on the 9th and 10th of June! Hope to see you there!