Ljubljana received a European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity Gold Award
The European Commission awarded us a gold award for our work in strengthening diversity and inclusion and protecting women.
We won first prize in a special award for local authorities that, by addressing violence against women, enable safe towns, cities and regions for women in all their diversity. This year, almost 70 regions, towns and cities across the European Union applied for the awards.
In Ljubljana, we live together and respect diversity
Špela Veselič, Head of Health Department, and Simona Topolinjak, Head of the Social Welfare Department, upon receiving the award. Photo: European Commission
Ljubljana was recognized as a city that respects diversity, includes all vulnerable groups and actively creates a discrimination-free society. The award especially recognized our efforts and activities in preventing violence against women. In the City of Ljubljana, we have been supporting the efforts of non-governmental organizations for many years, as they significantly contribute to raising awareness as well as recognizing and reducing violence against women. With public tenders, we co-finance various programs aimed at both women and children, victims of violence (e.g., safe accommodation, counseling centres) and perpetrators of violence (workshops), and we are actively involved in various awareness-raising activities.
European Diversity Month
The presentation of the European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity Awards marks the start of the annual European Diversity Month, raising awareness of the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace and our societies. The award recognizes the work of cities, towns or regions in the European Union in the field of promoting inclusion and creating discrimination-free societies. It is awarded in three main categories: local authorities with less than 50,000 inhabitants, local authorities with more than 50,000 inhabitants and a special award for local authorities that, by addressing violence against women, enable safe towns, cities and regions for women in all their diversity.
The European Commissioner for Equality, Helena Dalli, said on the occasion: »As with previous editions, the 3rd European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity Award recognizes and ensures visibility of the work of local authorities that create safe and inclusive spaces, ensure belonging and expand participation. Their commitment to the principle of equality is the source of innovation and progress on the path to a Union of Equality. I thank the participating cities and towns and congratulate the winners of this edition. I urge other European local authorities to draw inspiration from the spotlighted best practices.«