The Council of Europe and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iceland teamed up to host the annual conference of the Gender Equality Commission (GEC) on 27-28 April 2023 in Strasbourg. This year's conference, organized within the framework of the Icelandic Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, focused on the role of men and boys in gender equality policies and in policies to combat violence against women.

The conference was opened by the President of Iceland, Guðni Thorlacius Jóhannesson, and Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Marija Pejčinović Burić. The conference's first day introduced the Icelandic Barbershop method, which encouraged men to engage in discussions about gender equality. Among speakers for this year's event are Gary Barker, President and Chief Executive Officer of EQUIMUNDO, and Edda Jökulsdóttir, Special Envoy for Gender Equality, Iceland. They addressed the issue of men and boys as agents of change in gender equality.

The conference's second day focused on three key themes: the negative impacts of social norms and gender stereotypes, men's role in gender equality in care, and the role of men and boys in combating violence. Panellists included member states’ representatives, representatives of international organizations, and civil society. The conference aimed to encourage and inspired participants to take an active role in promoting gender equality policies and combatting violence against women. With a diverse range of speakers and panellists, the event promised to be an engaging and enlightening experience for all who attend.