Gender Equality

Gender inequality is a roadblock to human and sustainable development.    

Gender equality is a gamechanger. From unleashing the economic power of women for more prosperous societies, to building more trusted institutions and better crisis recovery with women’s meaningful participation and women’s leadership, gender equality is foundational – and a cornerstone – for a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient world.  

With trusted presence around the world, UNDP works with countries to unlock barriers and speed up progress for women’s empowerment. There is no time to wait: global progress toward equality is too slow, scattered, and easy to reverse, with a ripple effect across sectors and communities. If current trends persist, 351 million more women and girls will live in extreme poverty by 2030. UNDP works with countries to meet women’s needs today, while helping steer reforms for a more equitable tomorrow.

Our Work

Guided by our Gender Equality Strategy 2022-2025, UNDP works to help countries shift power structures and the economic, social, environmental and political systems that perpetuate discrimination, exclusion and disadvantage for women. Leveraging large-scale development initiatives, UNDP integrates gender equality across all we do. 
 
Globally, UNDP and its partners invest in accelerators, including inclusive economies that work for gender equality; institutions equipped for gender equality; green solutions and decision-making powered by gender equality; and – inside the house – institutional transformation, so that UNDP can lead for gender equality everywhere, and always.

Our Impact

In 2024, UNDP delivered results for women and gender equality, including: 

300

million

women accessed essential services

28

countries

made fiscal reforms aligned for gender equality

57

countries

improved social protection and care systems

140

million

women participated in elections

20

countries

enhanced crisis recovery with gender data and analyses

100

countries

boosted women’s leadership in natural resource management

102

countries

partnered with women’s groups

90

percent

of UNDP Country Offices improved results with the Gender Equality Seal