UN Women Europe and Central Asia

Inspiring online side events are coming alongside the Beijing+30 Regional Review Meeting, offering you opportunities to engage and connect with key gender equality activists and experts. Discover the full lineup of events and how you can take part at: https://lnkd.in/drsfkcF5 Turn your vision into our shared reality. #Beijing30

Violence against women remains a major issue in the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe region, affecting nearly half of women aged 18-74. Despite legal progress, gender inequality and patriarchal norms continue to fuel this violence. Learn more about efforts to address it at the #Beijing30 Regional Review Meeting: https://lnkd.in/d5Jw5mZP

How can we boost women’s participation in decision-making and integrate gender equality into environmental conservation? ?? Ahead of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe #Beijing30 Regional Review Meeting, civil society organizations shared key takeaways: ?? Promote diversity and inclusion in decision-making at all levels ?? Establish permanent platforms for consultation between civil society, especially women’s organizations, and authorities ?? Increase funding for women-led environmental initiatives ?? Advocate for policies that address the disproportionate impact of climate change on women For more insights, explore the full outcome document: https://lnkd.in/diWC5He6 Curious about the event? Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/dzbWAwaC

Rural women face significant barriers to essential resources, yet their empowerment is vital for sustainable development. On this International Day of #RuralWomen, we are spotlighting a groundbreaking cooperative performance audit by the Supreme Audit Institutions of North Macedonia, Albania, and Kosovo. Together, we evaluated how policies support rural women’s inclusion in the labour market—addressing key challenges and promoting equal opportunities in agricultural sectors. ?????? This joint effort underscores the importance of gender-responsive policymaking and SDG 5, as we work to ensure rural women have the tools and support they need to thrive. Want to know how we can create a more inclusive future? Check out this report: https://lnkd.in/gDa8P3Pz ??: UN Women Albania, UN Women Europe & Central Asia

? Just one week to go until the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe #Beijing30 Regional Review Meeting! This is a critical moment to accelerate gender equality across the region. ??? In the past five years, we've been hit by multiple crises: ?? The COVID-19 pandemic ?? Food, fuel, and financial crises ?? Escalating climate emergencies ?? Armed conflicts ?? A growing backlash against women's rights And who’s been most impacted? Women and girls. These challenges have deepened existing inequalities. Curious where we stand today? ?? Watch the video to find out more!

We are excited to welcome Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, UN Women Deputy Executive Director, to Bosnia and Herzegovina as she begins her first official mission to the Western Balkans, together with our Regional Director Belen Sanz Luque. Looking forward to meaningful discussions and deepening our collaboration with partners to advance #GenderEquality across the region.

?? Just 1 week until the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe #Beijing30 Regional Review in Geneva! ?? Now’s the time to check out civil society recommendations on how we can unite to build peaceful societies free from violence, stigma & gender stereotypes. ?? Check out the civil society's recommendations for inclusive development and decent work for women: ??Read the first outcome document here: https://lnkd.in/dggJX9xt ??Read the second outcome document here: https://lnkd.in/dFzpAQNC Stay tuned for the next outcome document! ?

?? Women’s Entrepreneurship EXPO 2024 kicks off in Belgrade! Over 150 incredible female entrepreneurs gathered today for the opening of the Women's Entrepreneurship EXPO 2024—a dynamic event that highlights the power of women-led businesses in driving economic growth. ?? The panel discussion, “Inclusion of Women’s Businesses in Main Economic Flows: Opportunities and Challenges,” brought inspiring insights from leaders in the field. A key takeaway? The importance of mentorship, education, and networking to help women entrepreneurs thrive. UN Women Project Coordinator Nevena Marceta stated: “The fact that more than 150 female entrepreneurs from Serbia are present today, and more than 3,000 female entrepreneurs from the region are involved in our initiative, shows us how important networking and education are for them.” The day was filled with engaging sessions, including a Business Café where women entrepreneurs pitched their businesses to multinational companies and a Peer-to-Peer Exchange that tackled topics like digitalization and foreign trade. Stay tuned for more—this is just the beginning of EXPO 2024! ???

Did you know that Gender-Responsive Procurement (GRP) ensures women-owned businesses and gender-responsive companies have equal opportunities in supply chains and contracts? It promotes both gender equality and women’s empowerment, while driving business success. Yesterday, our Regional Director Belén Sanz Luque saw this firsthand during an inspiring visit to the “?OK’ta Ben de Var?m” project at ?ok Market. Through our partnership with Y?ld?z Holding we’ve set a global benchmark for GRP. This initiative has already created over 10 million TL in economic value by partnering with women’s cooperatives across Türkiye—showing how GRP supports women-led businesses while delivering results. "With over 10,000 WEPs signatories worldwide, more companies are joining the movement for gender equality in partnership with UN Women. When we invest in women’s economic empowerment, everyone benefits. Let’s make GRP the norm, not the exception." said Luque.

Never underestimate the INTELLIGENCE of young women and girls. Never underestimate the DETERMINATION of young women and girls. Never underestimate the POWER of young women and girls. On this #DayOfTheGirl, listen to these speakers at the UN who inspire us all.