European Economic
and Social Committee
Take a Stand for Equality campaign
Democracy should never be taken for granted. That is why we, at The Women’s Council in Denmark, are launching the campaign ‘Take a Stand for Equality’ ahead of the 2025 municipal and regional elections in November. Thanks to the support from the Tuborg Foundation, we can shine a light on the importance of equal access, fair representation and the crucial role of women and minorities in local politics.
In Denmark, we like to think of ourselves as an open and equal society. Yet the reality shows that women and candidates from minority backgrounds still face significant barriers when they want to participate in local democracy. Hate speech, online harassment and threats remain serious obstacles. Studies show that 73% of hateful attacks on Facebook are directed at women, and local politicians are among the most exposed to harassment.
This is not just an individual problem — it is a democratic challenge. When women and minorities are silenced or discouraged from taking part, we all lose important perspectives and ideas that can move our communities forward.
With ‘Take a Stand for Equality’, we want to create a safe and inspiring space for more women and minorities to run for local office, and to encourage young people in particular to vote and engage in their local communities. Our campaign will include physical and online debates, workshops, and a special feminist election celebration at the Talk Town Festival. We want to offer a platform where candidates and voters can meet, share experiences and strengthen the sense of belonging and community.
We know that change does not happen overnight, and we do not claim to have all the answers. But we believe that by standing together, listening to each other and supporting one another, we can make a difference — one conversation, one vote and one brave new candidate at a time.
We warmly invite everyone who believes in a more inclusive and representative local democracy to join us. If you want to collaborate, participate, or learn more, please reach out to helene@kvinderaad.dk or project leader astrid@kvinderaad.dk.
Together, we can take a stand for equality.
Juliane Marie NEIIENDAM (Denmark)
Member, Civil Society Organisations’ Group
Member of the Board, The Women's Council in Denmark
© EU/EESC