Eastern and Southern Africa

UN Women has a presence in 14 out of 22 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa (ESAR) region. ESAR has a diverse economic outlook with some countries experiencing high growth rates but with persistent poverty and income inequality. Women's representation in parliament varies across countries, with Rwanda leading globally at 61%, and 9 out of 16 countries having more than 30% women in parliament. Violence against women is prevalent, and ESAR is home to several intergovernmental institutions with which UN Women has partnerships. Mainstreaming of women and youth is a priority for the African Union in the region.