Gender Equality

Important commitments have been made by Governments in the past years and the pivotal role of gender equality for development and poverty reduction has been recognized at all levels. However, a major challenge today is turning these commitments into actions.

The Millenium Declaration and the eight Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) collectively herald a vision for a more just and equal world: a promise by governments in 189 countries to achieve social justice for all. Only five years remain until the target date of 2015 for achieving the MDGs.

More Asia Pacific countries than ever before have elected local governments and national parliaments. Despite the progress made in establishing democratic institutions in the Asia Pacifi c, women continue to participate unequally both as voters and as candidates.

Without peace, human development is not possible and without human development, peace is not sustainable. Both require inclusion and participation—which can evolve through the restructuring of the state and deepening of the democracy of a political system.

In October 2003, women won 4% of seats in Rwanda’s lower house of Parliament.

UNDP's Asia-Pacific Human Development Reports have been stimulating a lively dialogue within the region on a range of important issues.

The African Union Commission and International IDEA launched a 5 year Joint Activity Plan (JAP) in 2008.  The Joint Activity Plan is designed to support the African Union Commission in implementing its mandate related to the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance that was ad

This table gives mechanisms on how to promote gender equity. It was presented at the workshop on Strenghening women's participation and Leadership in Political Parties, Pretoria, 1-5. NDI South Africa

Technology defines our era. In the past few decades, numerous innovations—including ever-shrinking computers, mobile phones, and alternative energies—have been introduced in homes and workplaces, changing the way we live, how we work, and what we’re able to do.