Interview: Klimentina Ilijevski
In this interview, Klimentina Ilijevski, a long-standing advocate for inclusion and social justice, shares why it is important to empower women survivors of violence to rebuild their lives and how survivor-centered mentoring can be life-changing. Learn more
Interview: Halime Güner
In this interview, Halime Güner, one of Türkiye's most enduring advocates for women's rights, reflect on the role of grassroots activism, the impact of collective action and the ongoing challenges in achieving gender equality. Learn more
Interview: Yakın Ertürk
In this interview, Yakın Ertürk, an internationally recognized human rights advocate, academic, and former UN Special Rapporteur, reflects on the long road to gender equality and explains why women’s participation in peace and conflict negotiations is essential for a sustainable and just future. Learn more
Interview: Zinaida Emelianova
In this interview, Zinaida Emelianova, Director of the NGO Agency for Innovation and Development, shares insights on how women's economic participation can contribute to peace and stability. Learn more
Interview: Johanna Poutanen
In this interview, Johanna Poutanen, Head of Inclusion and Digital Innovation at CMI - Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation, explains how inclusive approaches help strengthen peace efforts. Learn more
Highlights
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In Focus: 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence
In Focus: 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence

Online and digital spaces should empower women and girls. Yet every day, for millions of women and girls, the digital world has become a minefield of harassment, abuse, and control. In Europe and Central Asia, over half of women who are online have been subjected to digital violence. This 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (25 November – 10 December) join us as we rally for a world where technology is a force for equality – not harm.

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Women Lead Peace Follows Hero
In Focus: Women Lead Peace Follows

Every policy, decision, and action taken under the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 has contributed to building a more inclusive and peaceful world — anchored in women's leadership. Yet, the path to lasting change and peace is long, and our commitment must be stronger than ever.

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ECARO 15 Years Cover
In Focus: UN Women Turns 15

Discover how UN Women has been supercharging fifteen years of transformative impact in UN Women in Europe and Central Asia.

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ECARO - IWD2025 - Banner
In Focus: For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.

Thirty years ago, world leaders made a promise at the Fourth World Conference on Women – equal rights, opportunities, power, and safety for women and girls everywhere. The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action enshrines that promise.

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Women's Entrepreneurship EXPO 2025 KV
Women's Entrepreneurship EXPO 2025

Launched in 2021, the Women’s Entrepreneurship EXPO is a unique partnership platform to promote women’s entrepreneurship ecosystem building in the Europe and Central Asia region. EXPO provides an interactive space for women entrepreneurs, investors and private sector representatives for collaboration, ideas generation, capacity building and business development.

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On 8 July 2024 in Kyiv, fire and rescue service workers, hospital staff and volunteers clear rubble and search for people trapped under debris after an attack that hit Okhmatdyt hospital, Ukraine's largest children's medical centre. Photo: UNICEF/UNI608590/Filippov
Three years into the full-scale war, Ukrainian women lead humanitarian aid and economic resilience

Three years into Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukrainian women continue to bear the brunt of the war. With over 1.8 million internally displaced and almost 6.7 million requiring humanitarian assistance, the war in Ukraine is one of the most profound humanitarian crises of our time. Yet, amid destruction and displacement, Ukraine's women are stepping up as first responders, civil society leaders, and entrepreneurs at the forefront of humanitarian response, economic recovery, and social cohesion.

Announcement
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A woman speaks into a megaphone during a march

International Women’s Day 2026

The theme for International Women's Day 2026 has been announced as "Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls", and mark a moment to amplify our collective determination to advance the rights of women and girls. Read more ►

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Belén Sanz Luque, UN Women Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia

Regional Director, Belén Sanz Luque

Belén Sanz Luque is the Regional Director for UN Women Europe and Central Asia. Previously, Belén Sanz served as UN Women Country Representative for Mexico (2017-2024) and Colombia (2013 - 2017). Full bio ►