15 creative ways we are promoting gender equality
On our 15th anniversary, discover 15 creative ways UN Women has been promoting gender equality across Europe and Central Asia. Learn more
UN Women is awarded for its groundbreaking communications initiatives
As we celebrates our 15th anniversary, take a look at our award-winning campaigns and initiatives driving change and impact across Europe and Central Asia. Learn more
For All Women and Girls: Gaye Erbatur
On the role of women in leadership, the importance of institutional reform, and the need to strengthen legal systems for gender equality. Learn more
7 Women-led businesses making a difference in Europe and Central Asia
From turning food waste into growth to combining neuroscience, psychology, and virtual reality, 15 women entrepreneurs from the region have built innovative startups that are changing the world for the better. Learn more
Speaking through art, Ukrainian women confront sexual violence in conflict
Ukrainian women artists talk about their experience and art as an expression of their resilience. Learn more
Highlights
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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. The world cannot wait another 30 years to fulfill gender equality. Today we stand stronger, more united, more diverse, and determined to become the first generation to achieve equality.

 
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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. Women in Ukraine face rising unemployment, escalating gender-based violence, and growing domestic burdens. 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.

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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. 

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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.

Op-Ed
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The Unstoppable March Forward: A Call for Action on International Women's Day

The Unstoppable March Forward: A Call for Action on International Women's Day

On the occasion of the International Women's Day, 8 March, in their joint op-ed, UN Women Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, Belén Sanz Luque and UNFPA Regional Director for Easter Europe and Central Asia, Florence Bauer, call for urgent, collective action to secure progress #ForAllWomenAndGirls. 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 ►