As part of their commitment to equality, the cities within the International Network of Michelin Cities are implementing concrete initiatives to strengthen women’s empowerment and combat discrimination.
A flagship example is the Gender Equality Lab, launched in 2024 in Anderson (SC) in partnership with Clermont-Ferrand. This project represents a key milestone in their shared commitment to equality. During its preparation, the two cities identified financial autonomy as a crucial lever for enhancing women’s independence and building a more equitable society.
While awaiting the expansion of this cooperation internationally, the cities of Anderson (SC) and Clermont-Ferrand continue to multiply local initiatives to promote equality and raise awareness within their communities about the economic and social challenges related to gender.
This commitment reaffirms the cities’ determination to take concrete action for gender equality. Once again this year, several of them are mobilizing for March 8 with a variety of inspiring initiatives.
What member cities are doing for March 8, 2025
Cuneo
Since 2002, the city of Cuneo has been actively committed to gender equality through its Department of “Equal Opportunities”. It integrates equality objectives into all its municipal policies and coordinates the Anti-Violence Network, bringing together local actors dedicated to combating violence against women.
Each year, Cuneo organizes major events such as “8 Marzo è tutto l’anno“, a series of initiatives running from February to April, along with awareness campaigns in schools and self-defense courses for women. The city also plays a key role in fighting discrimination by managing a Provincial Hub dedicated to this cause.
Magog
On the occasion of International Women’s Rights Day, Magog highlights the daily struggles of women through a Cine-Panel organized by the Centre des femmes Memphrémagog (Memphrémagog women’s center) and the Carrefour de Solidarité Internationale. This year, the screening of the film La Tresse, inspired by Laetitia Colombani’s novel, will illustrate the fight of three women from different cultures and backgrounds. A panel of guest speakers will then lead discussions on themes of empowerment and resistance against systemic obstacles.
Clermont-Ferrand
As part of the ‘Equality is all year round’ program, the “Equal Rights” department, togheter with the “Réseau femmes”, have collaborated to organize events around International Women’s Day, on March 8. Among the events taking place, the “Quand les femmes se racontent” (‘When women tell their story) exhibition will feature testimonials from residents of the CCAS Les Mélèzes nursing home. On March 12, an awareness-raising event entitled “Briser les stéréotypes : Agir contre le sexisme au quotidien” (Breaking stereotypes: taking action against everyday sexism) will be offered to a group of foreign students from the Université Clermont Auvergne, to raise their awareness of gender inequality and ways of tackling it.
Regensburg
The city of Regensburg is committed to promoting economic and professional equality every year. It organizes information campaigns and events to mark “Equal Pay Day“, rewards companies committed to gender equality and supports women in their academic careers. The city also plays an active role in “Girls‘ and Boys’ Day“, an initiative aimed at raising young people’s awareness of careers that are free from gender stereotypes. Finally, it is a member of the ff – frauen führen 2.0 network, which promotes female leadership in the region. On March 8, Regensburg will host many events for International Women’s Day, including a feminist FUNPARK and live music.
What about the INMC?
At this stage, the International Network of Michelin Cities is committed to the fight for gender equality by highlighting the local efforts of each city. However, this momentum must be strengthened through international collaboration among the network’s cities. Sharing challenges, best practices, and innovative solutions will help amplify the impact of local actions.
