New York City, 16 September 2022 (TDI): United Nations Development Program (UNDP) reported that the most common violation of human rights in the world is gender discrimination. To combat high rates of gender discrimination, UNDP has launched a Gender Equality Strategy.

UNDP added that progress toward gender equality and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is the goal of UNDP.

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Gender equality is one of the most effective development strategies, on which the plan is built. It seeks to assist nations in changing the political, social, and economic structures. Furthermore, the launch of the new plan coincides with a period of global crisis and risk for growth.

Moreover, women make up only 39 per cent of the worldwide workforce. Even before the pandemic, 1 in 3 women worldwide experienced physical or sexual abuse. Moreover, during COVID-19 pandemic, this number increased in many nations.

In addition, UNDP Administrator, Achim Steiner said that, “As progress towards gender equality stalls, UNDP’s ambitious new Gender Equality Strategy will guide us in our efforts to support countries to implement structural changes that strike at the roots of this most pervasive inequality including efforts to tackle gender-based violence and mobilizing finance to expand access to social protection”.

Steiner added that, “Indeed, the entire UN family is working together to ensure that women and girls have a meaningful seat at decision-making tables across the globe so that they can make the brave choices today to realize that sustainable, green, and equal tomorrow.”

Gender Equality Strategy

The new strategy is founded on UNDP’s dedication towards eradicating poverty, advancing gender parity in economies, and assisting nations in reviving inclusive governance. The strategy supports women’s leadership and involvement in politics and public institutions.

In addition, the strategy will also support countries in expanding their care services and give women access to energy. This includes, freeing up additional public and private resources for gender equality and ensure women’s economic security.

Besides this, the plan also promotes the creation of robust alliances, with feminist and women organizations, other UN agencies, national governments, and the commercial sector.