This report highlights UNIFEM's work to empower women in economic and public spheres, including achieving gender equality in democratic governance. Among the highlights during the year 2007–2008 were initiatives in empowering women in politics, advancing legislation on women’s rights, putting sexual violence on the security agenda, and engaging men against gender-based violence, among others.

This report contains sections on the socio-political participation of women and provides statistical information on the evolution of applying gender equality policies.

This document analyzes the changes in Latin America and the relationship between democratic governance and the reform of gender inequality practices. It provides two sections that evaluate the concept of governance, and the reflection on the relationship between gender and institutions. It also emphasizes the work of the women’s movement to achieve the democratization of societies and the regulation of institutional frameworks based on gender parity.