The FemCities Conference 2024, held on 26th and 27th September at Sigmund Freud Private University (SFU) Vienna, brought together experts, activists, and city officials to address the critical issue of mental health and its connection to women’s roles in society. Co-organised by the FemCities Network and the City of Vienna, the event focused on how urban environments can better support mental health care, particularly for women.
Mental Load: A Hidden Burden on Women
The two-day conference, titled “Mental Health or Mental Load? Mental Health Care as a City Responsibility” explored the dual pressures that many women face in balancing professional careers and personal caregiving duties. Discussions centred around the concept of “mental load,” the often invisible mental effort required to manage households and caregiving responsibilities—tasks which frequently fall to women.
Experts from across Europe participated in panels and workshops, examining how cities can create more inclusive support systems for mental health. The conference emphasised the need to break down stereotypes surrounding caregiving and explored strategies to create a more balanced approach to managing mental health within urban settings.
Artistic Highlight: “Femina Creativa” Exhibition
One of the highlights of the event was the exhibition “Femina Creativa: Female Perspectives on Art”, adding a visual depth to the discussions that took place. This exhibition provided a unique artistic lens on the themes of the conference, showcasing how female artists interpret and engage with issues of mental health and gender roles.
Closing Session: The Future of Women’s Mental Health
The closing session of the conference featured an insightful talk on “The Future of Women’s Mental Health in a Global Perspective” led by Ledia Lazeri, Regional Adviser for Mental Health at the WHO Regional Office. The session offered expert insights into the global challenges and opportunities shaping women’s mental health, with SFU’s Erzsébet Fanni Tóth facilitating the discussion.
A Platform for Change
The FemCities Conference 2024 offered an important platform for dialogue on how city policies can better support mental health, especially for women who bear disproportionate caregiving responsibilities. Participants left with a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by women and gained insights into how these issues can be addressed through future urban planning and mental health initiatives.
Three of our SFU Ljubljana students who participated in the conference authored a short summary of their experiences and insights which you can read here.
Picture Gallery
