UN Women, the United Nations entity for gender equality and the empowerment of women, is a central organization that advocates for the rights and well-being of women and girls worldwide. Established on July 2, 2010, by the UN General Assembly, UN Women has the historic task of accelerating progress towards achieving gender equality.
UN Women is committed to creating a world where every woman and girl can exercise their full human rights and realize their full potential. The organization believes that gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but also an essential prerequisite for sustainable development and economic growth. UN Women works closely with governments, civil society, and other partners to develop and implement laws, policies, programs, and services that benefit women and girls globally[3][4][5].
UN Women focuses on four strategic priorities:
UN Women plays a central role in the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5, which aims for gender equality. The organization coordinates and promotes the work of the UN system regarding gender equality and ensures the implementation of global standards and norms.
UN Women is led by Sima Bahous from Jordan, who has served as the Executive Director of the organization since 2021. The work of UN Women is guided by the UN Economic and Social Council and the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). The Board of UN Women, elected every three years, consists of 41 members representing various regional groups[5].
UN Women works closely with intergovernmental institutions, governments, and civil society to form effective partnerships and provide technical and financial support. The organization also ensures that the UN system is held accountable for its commitments to gender equality and monitors global progress in this regard[3][4][5].
UN Women is a dynamic and strong champion for women and girls, giving them a powerful voice at global, regional, and local levels. Through its work, the organization significantly contributes to enabling women and girls to realize their full potential and live in a more just and inclusive world.
