On the 1st January, UN Women was officially launched. Formally known as the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, UN Women emerged from agreement by UN Member States – backed by strong advocacy from the global women’s movement – that more must be done so women can claim equal rights and opportunities.  The new global website contains resources and information about the new entity.

UN women will officially work on two fronts.  Firstly, it will support international political negotiations to formulate agreed standards for gender equality.  This will include overseeing the implementation existing Conventions relating to gender equality.  Secondly, UN Women will provide support to UN Member States to implement those standards through technical expertise and financial support.  Within the UN System, UN Women will have responsibility for supporting all agencies to advance gender equality and women’s human rights.

In Australia, UN Women will continue UNIFEM’s work with government and non-government partners to help them put in place the policies, laws, services and resources that women require to achieve gender equality.  The new agency will continue to support governments through the provision of capacity development and training.  It will also to provide funding to high-impact programs through the Fund for Gender Equality and the UN Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women.

UN Women will prepare the program of work for the Commission on the Status of Women, providing research and background documentation and disseminating information on Commission activities.  It will also facilitate the contributions made by non-government organisations.

Find out more at www.unwomen.org