Mudanya Municipality, the first and only local government from Türkiye to participate in the “Safe Space for Women” application led by the European Union Committee of the Regions, is becoming a pioneering model by also accepting the “European Charter for Equality between Women and Men in Local Life.” Kata Tüttő, President of the European Union Committee of the Regions, cited the steps taken by Mudanya Municipality as exemplary practices.

Mudanya Municipality has taken its place among the municipalities that have taken important steps in local governments in Europe in terms of women’s rights and gender equality. Being the first and only local government from Türkiye to participate in the #SafePlace4Women”  application, which is carried out under the leadership of the European Union Committee of the Regions, Mudanya Municipality has also accepted the European Charter for Equality between Women and Men in Local Life and decided to put it into practice.

Mudanya Municipality also stood out at the meeting held in Brussels as part of the “Young Elected Politicians Program” between March 10-14. Baran Güneş the vice mayor of Mudanya Municipality , who was selected by the EU and was the only person invited from Türkiye to the program, represented Mudanya in meetings held on issues such as gender equality in local governments in Europe, public participation in government, environmental policies, renewable energy and artificial intelligence applications. Güneş met with the President of the European Union Committee of the Regions, Kata Tüttő, as part of the program.

During the meeting where the strengthening of relations between the European Union Committee of the Regions and Mudanya Municipality and the establishment of new collaborations were on the agenda, Mayor Tüttő stated that they were following the work carried out in Mudanya and that they found Mudanya’s pioneering steps in this area “very valuable.” Tüttő conveyed that he congratulated the people of Mudanya, Mayor Deniz Dalgıç and the Mudanya Municipality Council for the steps taken by Mudanya.

Güneş, in his statement on the subject, stated that they were proud of Mudanya being shown as an exemplary municipality in Europe and said, "As a local government, we will continue to work to bring good practices from Europe to Mudanya and to further advance the leading role of Mudanya on European platforms."

The “European Charter for Equality between Women and Men in Local Life” includes ensuring that all segments of society benefit equally from local and regional services, while the “Safe Space for Women” practice includes implementing public policies that ensure women’s safety, providing uninterrupted and safe support to victims of gender-based violence, and demonstrating determination in education and struggle.