LocationsMembers of the Network of Women Mayors and Presidents of Municipalities in Serbia sign the Charter of Solidarity
Women Mayors Strengthen Mutual Support and Cooperation
May 29, 2026
Topola, 29 May 2026 – In cooperation with the Ministry of Public Administration and Local Self-Government, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Serbia is supporting stronger cooperation among women leading local governments within the Network of Women Mayors and Municipal Presidents, with the aim of strengthening women's leadership at the local level.
Today in Serbia, 28 out of 174 local self-government units are led by women, mostly in smaller communities facing similar challenges.
“This figure is not just a statistic - it reflects the responsibility, knowledge, dedication, and strength of women who make important decisions for their communities every day. That is why we want the Network of women’s solidarity to be vibrant and active - not formal, not protocol-driven, not a network that exists only on paper, but a space where women leading their cities and municipalities can exchange experiences, seek advice and support, and rely on one another. No one understands the challenges of local leadership better than those who live them every day. Support from one woman to another is not a weakness - it is strength. The success of one woman is not an obstacle to another, but proof and encouragement that it is possible”, said Snežana Paunović, Minister of Public Administration and Local Self-Government in the Government of Serbia.
At a ceremony held today in Topola, women mayors and municipal presidents from across Serbia signed the Charter of Solidarity, confirming their commitment to mutual support, cooperation, and responsible governance in their communities.
“Women in local governments take on significant responsibility, often in demanding conditions and facing additional obstacles that their male counterparts encounter less frequently. Therefore, it is important for them to have a space for mutual support, exchange of experiences, and joint learning. Strengthening their cooperation within the Network of Women Mayors is an important step towards improving inclusive and accountable governance at the local level. UNDP remains a committed partner in empowering women leaders and building institutions that better respond to the needs of citizens”, said Fabrizio Andreuzzi, UNDP Serbia Resident Representative ad interim (a.i.).
Support for the Network will focus on strengthening leadership, improving governance practices, and promoting gender equality. Key activities will include training sessions, workshops, exchanges of experience, and joint initiatives by women mayors and presidents of municipalities. To ensure sustainability, the Ministry is expected to provide coordination support to the Network and to strengthen cooperation with institutions and women leaders at the central level of government.
