DESCRIPTION:

The MELUP project seeks to improve the quality of life and inclusion of women in local public policies in Al-Hoceima (Morocco) and Tripoli (Lebanon), in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the MedCat 2030 Strategy. Funded by the Catalan Agency for Development Cooperation (ACCD) and coordinated by MedCities, the project aims to strengthen the capacities of local governments to integrate a gender-responsive approach in urban planning, ensuring that public spaces meet the needs and rights of all, particularly women and other underrepresented groups.

Axis 1: Participatory Urban Diagnosis and Inclusive Action Plans

This component focuses on promoting inclusive urban planning through participatory methodologies. In each pilot neighbourhood, a gender-sensitive diagnosis will be carried out to assess women’s access to public space, barriers to basic services, and perceptions of insecurity. The process will actively involve women’s associations and community stakeholders through exploratory walks and participatory workshops, incorporating an intersectional lens across age, socio-economic status, and other factors.

Based on the findings, a local action plan will be co-developed with municipal teams and community actors to propose specific interventions. One priority action per city will be selected and implemented as a pilot project. The results will be shared in final seminars in both cities with regional and national institutions to foster policy dialogue, while inauguration events will raise awareness among the broader population.

Axis 2: Capacity Building and Knowledge Exchange

To reinforce institutional capacities, MELUP will deliver targeted training on gender-responsive urban planning for municipal staff, elected officials, and civil society actors. This will include:

• A two-day in-person training in each city
• Two international study visits: one to Barcelona to explore inclusive planning practices, and one to exchange on the “caring cities” model and promote South-South cooperation
• A peer review process involving two mentoring municipalities from the MedCities network
• A practical guide on gender-responsive urban planning for Mediterranean municipalities will be published, drawing from project experiences and regional case studies.

The project will conclude with an online international seminar, promoting broader dissemination and peer learning among MedCities member cities, with a focus on engaging female professionals and political leaders.

OBJECTIVES:

General objective.

To improve the quality of life and the inclusion of women in local public policies, ensuring the protection and fulfilment of their rights, in alignment with the 2030 Agenda and the MedCat 2030 Strategy.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:

Specific objectives

• SO1. Promote inclusive and gender-responsive urban planning, in collaboration with local stakeholders and relevant public authorities, to safeguard women’s rights in urban development.
• SO2. Strengthen the institutional capacities of local governments to integrate women’s needs, perspectives, and experiences into urban planning processes.

SDG’S ADRESSED:

SDG 5: Gender Equality

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Also relevant to:

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities (by addressing intersectional barriers in urban access)
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (through inclusive governance and participatory planning)
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals (through international cooperation and city-to-city exchanges)