UN Women’s Contributions to Gender Equality in Europe and Central Asia

This report provides an overview of UN Women’s efforts to advance gender equality across Europe and Central Asia, emphasizing alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It highlights evidence-based strategies, regional achievements, and the unique triple mandate of UN Women, showcasing partnerships with governments, civil society, and the private sector.

Partnerships and Strategic Approaches

UN Women collaborates with various stakeholders to promote gender equality, focusing on the following key areas:

1. Government Engagement: Strengthening policy frameworks, legal reforms, and institutional capacities to uphold women’s rights and integrate gender mainstreaming across sectors. This supports SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).
2. Civil Society Collaboration: Amplifying grassroots voices, fostering women’s leadership development, and encouraging community-driven solutions to gender equality challenges, contributing to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
3. Private Sector Involvement: Facilitating corporate engagement in gender-responsive business practices, women’s economic empowerment programs, and initiatives promoting workplace equality and entrepreneurship, advancing SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure).

Regional Context and Challenges

The Europe and Central Asia region presents unique opportunities and challenges in achieving gender equality, including:

• Addressing gender-based violence (SDG 5.2)
• Promoting women’s political participation (SDG 5.5)
• Tackling economic disparities (SDG 10.1)
• Ensuring inclusive digital transformation (SDG 9.c)

UN Women adapts global gender equality frameworks to the regional context while maintaining alignment with international standards and commitments, ensuring progress towards the SDGs.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality – The article focuses extensively on advancing gender equality, women’s rights, and women’s empowerment across Europe and Central Asia.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – References to women’s economic empowerment, workplace equality, and entrepreneurship connect to this goal.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Addressing economic disparities and promoting inclusive policies relate to reducing inequalities within and among countries.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Strengthening policy frameworks, legal reforms, and institutional capacity building are related to this goal.
5. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Ensuring digital transformation remains inclusive connects to this goal.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 5 Targets:
   • 5.1 – End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.
   • 5.2 – Eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.
   • 5.5 – Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels.
   • 5.a – Undertake reforms to give women equal rights to economic resources.
2. SDG 8 Targets:
   • 8.5 – Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men.
   • 8.3 – Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities and entrepreneurship.
3. SDG 10 Targets:
   • 10.2 – Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of gender.
4. SDG 16 Targets:
   • 16.6 – Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • 16.b – Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies.
5. SDG 9 Targets:
   • 9.c – Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators for SDG 5:
   • Proportion of women subjected to physical, sexual or psychological violence (5.2.1).
   • Proportion of seats held by women in national parliaments and local governments (5.5.1).
   • Proportion of women with ownership or control over economic resources (5.a.1).
2. Indicators for SDG 8:
   • Employment rate of women and men (8.5.2).
   • Number of enterprises owned by women (8.3.1).
3. Indicators for SDG 10:
   • Proportion of people living below 50% of median income, by sex, age and persons with disabilities (10.2.1).
4. Indicators for SDG 16:
   • Proportion of population who believe decision-making is inclusive and responsive (16.6.2).
   • Number of discriminatory laws and policies repealed or reformed (16.b.1).
5. Indicators for SDG 9:
   • Proportion of individuals using the Internet (9.c.1).

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: eca.unwomen.org