Many women have long-faced severe obstacles to participation and leadership where they have been underrepresented whether in elected office, the civil service, the private sector or academia. Some women, including young women, differently-abled women, indigenous women, transwomen and racialized women are even further underrepresented. While several women have individually overcome these challenges with great acclaim - and often to the benefit of society at large - there is a need to level the playing field and ensure opportunities are open for all women.

This event, which takes place during the 65th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW65), will focus on women in leadership, women’s public participation, and inclusive governance structures. In addition, it will highlight examples of how women in leadership are supporting efforts towards ending GBV and how efforts to transform harmful masculinities contribute to ending GBV and creating and enabling environment for women’s leadership and participation. Inclusive leadership and representation are a prerequisite for sustainable, just and developed society. Discussion and case studies will look at transformative and innovative interventions that can be replicated to other regions/areas.

This is an opportunity to engage with and learn from some exceptional women leaders about practical ways to promote women’s participation in decision making within different settings. Participants will also get a chance to engage on how women in leadership can leverage the positions and access to drive efforts towards combating GBV in all its forms.

Please register here to get joining details.

For any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Angela Mwai at angela.mwai@un.org or write to unhabitat-hrsi@un.org.

We look forward to your participation.