More than 25 business and private sector leaders gathered last week for a virtual roundtable hosted by UN Women and the Governments of France and Mexico to:
- Convey the importance of the Generation Equality Forum in galvanizing action towards the achievement of gender equality, and the importance of private sector participation and leadership in order to fulfil this vision.
- Present the six Action Coalitions that will be launched at the Generation Equality Forum and discuss the unique opportunities for private sector leaders to join Governments, philanthropic organizations, UN agencies, civil society, youth activists and other diverse partners to co-design concrete actions to accelerate progress on gender equality across the world.
The roundtable included discussion about the business imperative to accelerate gender equality. With the COVID-19 pandemic threatening to erode decades of progress for women and girls, it is a crucial time for partners from all sectors to work together. The six Action Coalition areas are:
- Gender-Based Violence
- Economic Justice and Rights
- Bodily Autonomy and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
- Feminist Action for Climate Justice
- Technology and Innovation for Gender Equality
- Feminist Movements and Leadership
UN Women and the Governments of France and Mexico, together with selected leaders from other Governments, philanthropies and civil society, called on private sector leaders to join the leadership and membership of the Action Coalitions and help to co-create the “blueprints” that will drive concrete global action for progress towards gender equality over the next five years.
About the Generation Equality Forum
The Generation Equality Forum is a multi-stakeholder gathering for gender equality convened by UN Women and co-hosted by the Governments of France and Mexico, in close partnership with civil society and youth activists. The Forum is set to take place from 29th to 31st March 2021 in Mexico City and Paris in June 2021, and will leverage the commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action – the most comprehensive global agenda for the achievement of gender equality – to re-ignite meaningful progress towards realizing the vision set out in this landmark agreement. By rallying partners, generating and strengthening alliances, sparking new conversations, and implementing innovative models for change, the Generation Equality Forum will set the foundation for a renewed era of gender equality.
“This Forum provides a unique opportunity of creating active links between policymakers, civil society actors and members or private enterprise. And I am certain that through active collaboration we can create innovative dynamics necessary to make a fruitful change,” said Dr. Nadine Gasman, President of the National Women’s Institute, Mexico.
The Role of the Private Sector
On the role of the private sector, UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka expressed, “This is everyone’s business, and I call on both current and potential partners to join this movement to drive the transformative changes needed.”
Business leaders have been essential partners in building momentum to achieve the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, as well as in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many business leaders are key allies in the advancement of gender equality – from ending pay disparities to implementing policies that ensure flexible work, family leave, and safe workplaces as well as protection of the environment. Private sector leaders bring unique knowledge, influence and resources to complement the deep experience of civil society and government leaders in the work to advance women’s rights. Only by bringing together all of these voices in true partnership with youth at the center will the Generation Equality Forum and Action Coalitions be able to design and implement the strategies, policies, and programs that will create transformative change for women and society.
“President Emmanuel Macron has elevated gender equality as a ‘great national cause’. This also needs to be an international cause by mobilizing countries, international organizations, NGOs and our youth to build together the Generation Equality. Many companies have been hit by an unprecedented crisis, yet they have stood out through their solidarity with women, victims of violence, caregivers, and all those who carry a message of hope,” said Delphine O, Secretary-General of the Generation Equality Forum in Paris. “Join our international movement by participating in the Generation Equality Forum in June 2021 in Paris. We are counting on you.”
Interested private sector entities are encouraged to submit their letter of intent to actioncoalitions@unwomen.org
For additional details contact Tunay Firat: GEF Action Coalitions Philanthropic Organizations & Private Sector Engagement Lead at tunay.firat@unwomen.org