One of the Secretary-General’s top priorities when he took office in January was to address the various initiatives to achieve gender parity across the United Nations system over the last few decades. He realized that, although progress had been made in some areas, urgent attention was needed.
“This goal is not just about numbers, but about transforming our institutional culture so that we can access and capitalize on our full potential. It is about creating a working environment that embraces equality, eradicates bias and is inclusive of all staff,” writes the Secretary-General in his letter sent to staff on 13 September 2017 to announce the launch of the System-wide Strategy on Gender Parity.
While gender equality refers to the equal rights, responsibilities and opportunities of women and men and girls and boys, gender parity is another term for equal representation of women and men in a given area. Working toward gender parity is a key part of achieving gender equality.
The Gender Parity and Equality website is one of the tools recommended by the strategy. By accessing the site, visitors can find information about data on gender representation in the Secretariat, the priorities and structure of the strategy, the gender parity legal framework, including the United Nations Charter, General Assembly resolutions, Secretary-General’s bulletins, and Secretary-General’s administrative instructions. It also includes videos, learning opportunities, staff testimonials, recruitment prospects, news and links to various gender-related initiatives across the United Nations system.
The new site aims to be a one-stop shop for updated and concise information for visitors and showcases the many ways in which we can all promote and build awareness of gender parity and equality every day.
Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.
Visit un.org/gender to learn more.