Ask a National Commissioner: Sigríður Björk Guðjónsdóttir
How does Iceland have such a high representation of women in leadership roles within the national security sector, and why is it important to include women’s voices in peace and security? Learn more
Interview: "Women need systems that believe and support them, free from stigma and judgment"
Magdalena Chadinoska Kuzmanoski,a social justice activist and a social mentor from North Macedonia, sheds light on the transformative impact of personalized support strategies for survivors of violence. Learn more
Take five: “Rural women must be viewed as key agents of change and leaders in agriculture”
In this interview, Mr. Nabil Gangi, Deputy Regional Representative for FAO Europe and Central Asia, discusses practical measures to address gender inequalities in agri-food systems. Learn more
Interview: “Development funding should prioritize initiatives at the intersection of gender equality and digital transformation”
Katri Viinikka, Ambassador for Gender Equality at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Finland, reflects on effective practices for closing the gender gap and Finland’s multistakeholder approach to advancing gender equality. Learn more
Interview: “Women's economic empowerment requires a systemic approach that ensures their representation in decision-making”
Beate Andrees, ILO Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, reflects on accelerating progress towards women's economic empowerment in the UNECE region. Learn more
Highlights
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web16days
In Focus: 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence

Every effort invested in preventing violence against women is a step towards a safer, more equal, and prosperous world. Every story shared is a call to action, inspiring individuals, communities, and institutions to recognize early warning signs, intervene, and support survivors before violence escalates. Join us to end violence against women and girls.

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Femicide
In Focus: Femicide research in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan

Gender-related killings (femicide/feminicide) are the most brutal and extreme manifestation of violence against women and girls. Check this webpage for news and updates on femicide research in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, and join the conversation by using the hashtags #EndFemicide and #WomenCount!

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In focus: EXPO 2024
Women's Entrepreneurship EXPO 2024

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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B+30
In Focus: Beijing+30 in Europe and Central Asia

In 2025, the global community will mark the thirtieth anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women and the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995). The Beijing Declaration serves as a global policy framework and blueprint for achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls worldwide.

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The railway station in Lviv has become a hub for those fleeing to EU countries from the war in Ukraine. Photo: UN Women/Serhii Korovainyi
In Focus: Women and girls after two years of war in Ukraine

Two years into Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, over 8 million women and girls are estimated to be in need of humanitarian assistance in 2024. UN Women is committed to working relentlessly to provide gender-responsive humanitarian support to women and girls and tap into their skills and leadership to build back better.

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Women and children are amongst the most affected after the earthquakes in Gaziantep, Türkiye. Photo: UN Women/Nilüfer Baş
In Focus: Supporting women and girls in Türkiye in the aftermath of the earthquakes

On 6 February 2023, twin earthquakes struck Türkiye and Syria, killing thousands of people and injuring many others. In close coordination with the government and partners, UN Women Türkiye’s emergency response is addressing the urgent and longer-term needs of women and girls impacted by the earthquakes. 

Op-Ed

Every 10 Minutes: The Timeline of a Broken Promise

Op-Ed penned by Belén Sanz Luque, Regional Director, UN Women Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia on the occasion of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. 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 ►