Gender Snapshot for Europe and Central Asia: Summary of key findings

This Gender Snapshot highlights the state of gender equality in the Europe and Central Asia region, thirty years after the adoption of the Beijing Platform for Action and with only five years remaining to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Covering 17 countries and Kosovo¹ across Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Western Balkans and Türkiye, the snapshot presents key data on SDG 5 indicators, illustrating both progress and persistent challenges.

While some advancements have been made, progress remains slow, leaving the region off track to meet gender equality commitments by 2030. Only 3 out of 18 countries have met or are close to meeting at least half of the SDG 5 targets, while several remain far from achieving them. Structural barriers, discrimination, and deeply rooted gender inequalities continue to hinder women’s and girls’ full participation in social, economic, and political life.

This snapshot underscores the interconnections between gender equality and broader sustainable development goals, demonstrating that progress on SDG 5 is essential to advancing the entire 2030 Agenda. It highlights the need for transformative policies, increased investment, and collective action to accelerate change.

Women and girls are central to building a more inclusive and sustainable future. As the world prepares for the post-SDG era, ensuring their rights, leadership, and equal opportunities is more urgent than ever. This publication provides data-driven insights to inform policies and initiatives that can drive meaningful progress towards gender equality in the region.

^{1 References to Kosovo within this report should be understood to be in the context of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999).}