Operational Streams
We work to deliver on Commonwealth mandates and commitments on gender equality and women’s empowerment through four operational streams:
Gender Mainstreaming
Plan of Action
The Commonwealth Plan of Action for Gender Equality 2005–2015 (PoA) outlines our priorities for promoting gender equality across the Commonwealth. Endorsing, implementing and monitoring the PoA is central to our work on gender. We do this through strategic partnerships, global and regional consultations, and capacity building initiatives, as well as at high level advocacy events.
Gender Equality Policy
On International Women’s Day 2012, the Commonwealth Secretariat launched its Gender Equality Policy. The policy provides an operational framework for promoting gender equality and mainstreaming gender in our internal systems and processes and our programmes of assistance to member countries.
A supporting Implementation and Reporting Framework is under development.
Gender and Economic Development
Under the economic development programme we build member states’ capacity to deliver gender responsive economic empowerment programmes and policies.
We do this by supporting the institutionalisation of gender responsive budgeting (GRB) across local and central government institutions; promoting gender equitable access to finance; supporting gender responsive trade and investment; and promoting access to global markets.
Gender and Political Development
Our work under the political development portfolio supports member states’ attainment of gender-equitable democratic and peace processes.
Core activities include supporting member states to actively pursue achieving the PoA 30 per cent target on women’s representation in political and public life. We also work to integrate and implement international conventions on women, peace and security through policy advocacy and promoting women’s effective and equitable participation in leadership and decision-making roles.
Gender and Social Development
Our work on social development supports the advancement of women’s access to justice and social security.
We do this by promoting women’s rights to land; strengthening the jurisprudence of equality on violence against women through policy dialogue, advocacy and capacity building; and contributing to the global consensus on social protection.
Did you know?
Contact
Enquiries on our gender work:
Ms Linda Kalindi
gender@commonwealth.int
Media enquiries:
Victoria Holdsworth
+44(0)20 7747 6383
v.holdsworth@commonwealth.int
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