A series of portraits arranged in striking triangular compositions now line Mont des Arts, inviting visitors to pause and reflect on the many dimensions of womanhood. Opened on 8 May in connection with Europe Day, the “Many Faces of Womanhood” exhibition brought together more than 70 guests in Brussels for a dialogue on the challenges and resilience captured through the art of documentary photography.

Care is a fundamental human need that sustains societies. It includes childcare, eldercare, support for people with disabilities, and everyday tasks that uphold well-being. Yet care work remains undervalued and largely invisible in economic systems with women carrying a disproportionate share. This limits their access to education, decent work, and leadership, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality.

The International Forum “Women and Water 2026” convened today at in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, under the auspices of the Dushanbe Water Process and in support of the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development” (2018–2028).

UN Women, the European Institute for Gender Equality, the European Commission, EU Delegations, and national authorities are working together to turn data into better policies across the Western Balkans.

In the heart of historic Mardin, the Mardin Women’s Cooperation Association (MOKİD) has been transforming women’s lives for nearly 20 years. Through counselling, skills training, and community-driven support, MOKİD empowers women to access protection, build confidence, and create new economic opportunities. Backed by a small grant under a European Union-funded project implemented by UN Women, the organization is helping women thrive, strengthening local resilience, and advancing gender equality. MOKİD stands as a powerful example of how grassroots action can open doors to safety, dignity, and lasting change for women and girls.

After moving from Savur to Mardin city, Atiye Taş joined the Mardin Women’s Cooperation Association (MOKİD), where she regained confidence and continued her education. Now a chef at MOKİD, she inspires other women, including her daughters, through her story and leadership.

Five key takeaways from the Regional Forum on Sustainable Development for the UNECE Region (RFSD2026), the United Nations' principal regional platform for policy dialogue, exchange of good practices, and peer learning on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

More than 80 parliamentarians, scientists, and women leaders from 18 countries across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe gathered in Bukhara, Uzbekistan, on 14–15 May for the Second Asian Women’s Forum. Held under the theme “Investment in Women – Foundation of Sustainable Growth: Expanding Political, Economic, Social, and Environmental Opportunities for Women,” the Forum concluded with the adoption of the Bukhara Declaration.

On 13 May 2026, women leaders, scientists, parliamentarians, and representatives of international organizations from across Central Asia and Azerbaijan gathered in Bukhara, Uzbekistan, for the fifth meeting of the Central Asian Women Leader Caucus. Held under the theme “Women’s Leadership in Science: Contemporary Challenges, Innovative Solutions and Scientific Collaboration,” the dialogue concluded with the adoption of a Joint Statement and marked Azerbaijan’s first participation as a partner country. The meeting took place on the eve of the Second Asian Women’s Forum, which opened in Bukhara on 14 May under the theme “Investing in Women – the Foundation of Sustainable Growth.”

For domestic violence survivors in Kosovo, laws only matter when they are accessible. Read the stories of Xhevrije and Saranda, two mothers who escaped years of abuse and coercive control, and discover how recent institutional and legal reforms in Kosovo are helping women access the justice and shelter they need to rebuild their lives.

In Tirana, Albania, a municipal mini-grant programme is helping women turn ideas into income and uncertainty into confidence. What once felt out of reach is becoming possible, as more women take steps toward financial independence.

The inaugural Europe and Central Asia Care Forum will take place on 11–12 May 2026 at the Wyndham Grand Levent, Istanbul, Türkiye. Organized by the UN Women Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, with financial support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, this landmark event aims to move the needle on care systems. Discover how recognizing, reducing, and redistributing care work can advance women’s economic empowerment, promote decent work, and drive inclusive growth across societies.

Over 130 leaders and experts gathered in Astana, Kazakhstan, for the “Towards Inclusive Climate, Water and Mountain Governance in Central Asia: Investing in Women in the Water-Climate-Peace Nexus" side event under the Regional Ecological Summit 2026 to tackle water scarcity, land degradation, and biodiversity loss in Central Asia. The UN Women-led side event, held in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the National Commission on Women’s Affairs and Family and Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, focused on the urgent need for inclusive climate, water, and mountain governance, highlighting the disproportionate effects on women and girls and the importance of investing in their role within the water-climate-peace nexus.

From 11–12 May 2026, the UN Women Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, with support from the United Kingdom Government, will convene the inaugural Europe and Central Asia Care Forum in Istanbul, Türkiye. This landmark event will bring together decision-makers and experts from across Europe and Central Asia—including governments, international financial institutions, and the private sector—to transition the region from fragmented services toward integrated, rights-based care systems. The Forum will serve as a critical milestone for accelerating women’s economic empowerment and inclusive growth across the region.

For the first time in its history, a woman has been appointed President of the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Kosovo [1], marking an important milestone for the academic leadership. Justina Shiroka-Pula, 73, is a distinguished economist, professor, and academician whose career has been defined by pioneering work in operational research and advocating for women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship. To celebrate, more than 100 women leaders, academics, and professionals gathered at the Academy of Sciences and Arts to take stock of how far Kosovo has come, how much further there is to go, and what it will truly take to open the doors of science and academia to women and girls.

Discover how Biljana Kalamadevska, Coordinator for Equal Opportunities in the Municipality of Berovo, North Macedonia transformed daily life for women, girls, and vulnerable residents in the city. Her leadership brought a safe new sidewalk to the community, promoting equal access and inclusion, and ensuring everyone can move freely and safely through their town.

The 2026 Regional Forum on Sustainable Development for the UNECE region (RFSD) will take place in Geneva on 21–22 April 2026, under the theme “Transforming Together: Innovative and Equitable Actions for the SDGs.”

The largest United Nations convening dedicated to gender equality and women’s rights, the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) concluded, but its echoes continue to resonate. High-level representatives from Europe and Central Asia region came together to reaffirm their commitment to women’s rights and shed light on future initiatives aimed at tackling the justice gap for women and girls across the life course. UN Women captured key insights from five Member States and here are some main takeaways.

Kosovo’s rural women farmers are gaining access to modern agricultural equipment, boosting productivity, income, and gender equality in agriculture.

Children’s books are often a child’s first encounter not only with stories, but with the gender norms that shape power, belonging and possibility. Through characters and narratives, children shape their understanding about who leads and who follows, who is expected to care, to decide, to explore, or to resist.