United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women—UN Women

Abstract

In August a Biarritz partnership on gender equality was formed at the annual summit of the heads of state or of government of the group of seven industrialized economies. This was to focus on reducing gender-based violence, widening access to high-quality health and education, enhancing economic empowerment, and on ending gender discrimination in policymaking and in public life while ensuring the high-level participation of women. The organization works with national partners, regional organizations and UN country teams to extend the necessary expert technical, practical and advocacy assistance to further gender equality efforts. A global platform on gender equality and religion was also launched at that time, with the aim of promoting co-operation between gender equality activists and faith-based partners. The fund focuses its support on women’s organizations, civil society groups, and governments, and distributes two types of grant: catalytic grants, aimed at accelerating progress in advancing gender equality; and implementation grants, aimed at consolidating existing gender equality infrastructures.