Dublin has become the first city in a first world country to join the UN Women's Safe Cities Programme.
The announcement was made today by Dublin Lord Mayor Naoise Ó Muirí at the World Forum of Cities Against Poverty in the RDS.
Dublin City Council Director of Economy and International Relations Peter Finnegan said Dublin is one of the safest cities in the world at the moment.
He said this means that Dublin City Council is committed to making it the safest city in the world for women and all citizens.
A scoping report will now be carried out, which will involve dialogue with groups such as the Women's Council of Ireland.
It will identify what actions can be taken such as improved street lighting and is expected to be completed by September.
Safe Ireland, the national network of 40 domestic violence services, welcomed the announcement.
It said it looked forward to working with Dublin City Council to localise the programme in Ireland.
Safe Ireland believes "lawlessness of the home" should be addressed and recognises that the home is actually the most unsafe place for women and children in Irish cities and communities.
Rape Crisis Network Ireland said it is delighted Dublin City Council has taken on the initiative.
It said preventing sexual violence and ensuring women's safety in urban spaces, both indoors and outdoors, is something that can only be achieved when all partners and allies actively engage in making sexual crime their business.
Creating urban spaces that are safe for women and girls not only effectively prevents sexual violence, but also increases overall safety and helps to enhance social and commercial life for all users of those urban spaces.
World cannot afford to 'hold back' women
The Executive Director of UN Women has said that the world can no longer afford to hold back half the population.
Michelle Bachelet was speaking at the conference this morning.
Ms Bachelet said it is not about the need to include women because it is the right thing to do, but because it is the smart thing to do.
She said that while women are usually disproportionately affected by all kinds of crises, they are not only victims, they are also important contributors to a country's development.
Women in councils can be an important part of the solution to problems of a city, she said.
Mayors and other senior authorities from more than 100 cities representing some 50 countries across the world were in Dublin for the conference.
Also speaking at the conference, former President Mary Robinson said people are increasingly demanding healthy, democratic participation within the State.
Ms Robinson said this was not some abstract political concept.
She said it was about ensuring that public decisions are taken on the basis of transparency, accountability and participation.
Post 2015, she said she believes it is essential that development be people-centred, protect human rights and be inclusive and equitable.
She said that those gathered at the conference were empowered, not only to shape this new vision of development, but to deliver it, to make sure the world and our children and grandchildren inhabit a safe, bountiful world filled with opportunity.
