Region:Asia Pacific
Current UN Women Plan Period Afghanisthan:2018-2022
World Bank Income Classification:Low Income
The World Bank classifies economies for analytical purposes into four income groups: low, lower-middle, upper-middle, and high income. For this purpose it uses gross national income (GNI) per capita data in U.S. dollars, converted from local currency using the World Bank Atlas method, which is applied to smooth exchange rate fluctuations.
Least Developed Country:Yes
Since 1971, the United Nations has recognized LDCs as a category of States that are deemed highly disadvantaged in their development process, for structural, historical and also geographical reasons. Three criteria are used: per capita income, human assets, and economic vulnerability.
Gender Inequality Index:0.575
GII is a composite metric of gender inequality using three dimensions: reproductive health, empowerment and the labour market. A low GII value indicates low inequality between women and men, and vice-versa.
Gender Development Index:0.723
GDI measures gender inequalities in achievement in three basic dimensions of human development: health, education, and command over economic resources.
Population:209,497,025
Source of population data: United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division (2022). World Population Prospects: The 2022 Revision
Male:19,976,265 (9.5%)
Female:189,520,760 (90.5%)
outcome XM-DAC-41146-LAC_D_2.3
More women have access to decent work and women’s entrepreneurship, small and medium-sized enterprises, networks and cooperatives are strengthened through financial and digital inclusion, green and circular economy alternatives in local and regional value chains
In 2023 UN Women ACRO continued to support the implementation of regional and subregional programs to promote the access to opportunities for income generation and sustainable livelihoods, particularly focusing in financing and digital inclusion, explicitly and systematically integrating an intersectional approach (principle Leave no one behind) that enhances the inclusion of the most disadvantaged groups (rural, indigenous, migrant women) with the capacity to provide differentiated responses. The application of this principle as a central approach to the design and management of programs makes possible to influence changes in structural barriers that limit poverty reduction, equal opportunities, gender equality and economic growth, and to build and strengthen women's capacity to make decisions and act on issues such as the acquisition of financial commitments, assessment of associated risks, control over their money - spending and savings - through personal accounts, investment in education and health care expenses, access to productive credit and insurance that allow them to grow their businesses. In particular, beginning in 2023 UN Women is contributing to the development of an inclusive financial ecosystem (IFE) in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras through the implementation of the IFE programme, funded by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. The programme. aims to articulate efforts, to strengthen capacities of financial institutions and public financial sector actors, strategic partnerships with relevant agents of the financial ecosystem (such as Central American Bank for Economic Integration -CABEI-), to advocate for the inclusion of gender equality in public policies and programmes linked to financial inclusion, and many actions that has been promoting the agenda of financial inclusion and the economic autonomy of women in the region. The programme is contributing to increase the availability of knowledge products, tools and methodologies to promote the incorporation of a gender perspective and innovations in financial products and services and in financial inclusion strategies, as well as the generation and use of gender-sensitive data to monitor and evaluate initiatives to promote financial inclusion. The development of knowledge products contributes to highlight women financial inclusion and support the relevance of the region's priorities and serve for policy dialogue. In particular, the launching of the policy brief of women´s financial inclusion was published: “Women’s financial inclusion Keys to a transformative post-COVID-19 economic recovery in Latin America and the Caribbean”, produced the framework of the IFE programme highlighted how women’s levels of financial inclusion in the region were, and continue to be, a vulnerability factor that is hindering their economic autonomy and the post-COVID-19 recovery. This publication reached in 2023 more than 156,000 people in social media. Knowledge products are also being used to guide the design and provision of financial products and services with a gender perspective, as well as the incorporation of gender equality in public policies and programmes. A tool is being developed, which will be used by the IFE programme to guide the strengthening of capacities of financial institutions in the provision of final products and services and will be used as a self-assessment tool. Its piloting started during the fourth quarter 2023 by 11 financial institutions and was reviewed by two regulators. Furthermore, the programme also contributes to foster partnerships between regional and national financial institutions. National and regional partnerships are also being leveraged to advocate for women’s financial inclusion and engagement with the IFE programme, with a focus on the need to work at the ecosystem level to better advance women’s financial health and their economic empowerment. An example of this was the development of the IV Central American Forum of Financial Inclusion, held in El Salvador on the 11th and 12th of October of 2023, organized by jointly by the IFE and the MELYT programmes, in alliance with CABEI and with the collaboration of multiple national and regional organizations was a strategic initiative. The Forum aimed to strengthen partnerships, promote peer-to-peer learning and share best practices on how to reduce gender gaps in access to capital, and increase dialogue and cooperation among financial ecosystem actors engaged with gender equality was. In total, 170 people attended in person on the first day and 110 people on the second day of event. Additionally, over 6.720 people were reached through social media during both days. Thanks to the work through the EFI programme, UN Women achieved to influence national strategies and public policies on financial inclusion, integrating the gender equality perspective. For example, in Guatemala with the technical support of ACRO the new National Financial Inclusion Strategy (ENIF) incorporates a gender perspective and focus on women’s financial inclusion, including sex disaggregated indicators. UN Women national and regional teamS also provided technical support for the revision of the "Roadmap for financial inclusion for women" of the National Council for Financial Inclusion and Education (CNIEF) of El Salvador and has been providing technical support to the National Banking and Insurance Commission (CNBS) in defining a Household Survey Module specifically dedicated to the topic of financial inclusion and other efforts in terms of measurement. In Costa Rica during 2023, the “Hecho por Mujeres” initiative (an e-commerce platform that promotes women's autonomy and economic empowerment), continued to support women’s entrepreneurship and strengthening financial inclusion 319 businesswomen were able to strengthened their capacities through the virtual cycle of 16 trainings and webinars with the objective of promoting their financial and digital inclusion. The platform also operates as a promotional platform for their products, both through social networks (Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp) and for in person sales (fairs). As a result, 98 active sellers have made a total of 110 sales through the platform, for a total amount of sales since its launch of approximately US$3,700. Also in Costa Rica, regarding in person sales to strengthen financial inclusion, UN Women supported FIDEIMAS, in coordination with the Banco Nacional de Costa Rica, Sistema Banca para el Desarrollo, IMAS and the Municipality of San José in the organization of the IMAS-FIDEIMAS Christmas Fair. For the second consecutive year after the pandemic, this fair provides an opportunity to have a marketing space for businesswomen and their families, where they can exhibit their handmade products and invite visitors to purchase Christmas gifts with purpose. During December 13, 14 and 15, 2023, 135 businesswomen supported by FIDEIMAS, many of them active sellers in Hecho por Mujeres platform, offered national products in the Central Park of San José, achieving an approximate of US$32,000 in total sales. In terms of promoting digital inclusion, during 2023 UN Women ACRO contributed with the initiative TodasConectadas.com, a collaborative virtual platform that serve as a hub for training courses in digital skill, networking communities to connect with digital markets, and information about economic opportunities, like financial resources or marketplaces. By the end of 2023 a total number of 35.003 visitors were registered, having the opportunity to access 37 virtual courses, to information about 19 communities, and about 8 financial resources for digital inclusion.
outcome XM-DAC-41146-LAC_D_3.1
The United Nations System in Latin America and the Caribbean increased its capacity to advance a gender transformative perspective and include GEWE in its planning and programming
In 2023, UN Women ACRO demonstrated significant progress in enhancing the UN System's capacity to embrace a gender-transformative perspective and mainstream Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment (GEWE) in planning and programming. Through technical expertise, continuous dialogue, and effective coordination mechanisms, ACRO played a key role in advancing gender equality in the Americas and Caribbean (LAC) region. Within the revised working mechanisms of the Regional Collaboration Platform (RCP), ACRO maintained leadership in the Regional Gender Interagency Group (GIG) and assumed chairmanship in the new Thematic Group on Populations Left Behind and the Evaluation Working Group. These roles show ACRO's central position in leading, promoting, and coordinating efforts to integrate gender within the UN System, contributing to the realization of women's rights in the region. ACRO, co-leading the GIG along with PAHO, collaborated with all participating agencies on developing the first Regional Gender Equality Profile (RGEP), which will be published in the first quarter of 2024. A collective effort to identify key challenges in the region. The RGEP's anticipated adoption across the UN System is expected to enhance the effectiveness of actions aimed at improving the lives of girls and women. ACRO's active role in the GIG's advocacy and communication initiatives, such as the impactful International Women's Day and 16 Days of Activism campaigns, reflects its commitment to raising awareness on gender issues. As a member of the Peer Support Group (PSG), ACRO contributed to GEWE accountability in the planning cycles of Colombia and Haiti, as well as in non-physical presence countries like Paraguay. Technical support provided during 2023 included assistance in the development and evaluation of strategic documents, such as the Cooperation Framework evaluations in Colombia, Paraguay, and Cuba, as well as the construction of roadmaps for their new Cooperation Frameworks. An important advancement was the completion of the Spanish translation of the UNCT Gender Equality Marker (GEM) Guidance Note, facilitated by ACRO's proactive initiative. This demonstrates ACRO's commitment to ensuring broad understanding and effective implementation of this crucial gender mainstreaming tool across the region. In countries where UN Women has a Non-Physical Presence (NPP), ACRO actively integrated gender equality within UN system coordination mechanisms. Notable achievements include the successful submission of 6 UNCT SWAP reports in NPP countries (3 comprehensive reports from Costa Rica, Perú and Honduras -being the last 2 the first time they submit this report-, and 4 Annual Reports from Cuba, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela), significant contributions to conventions like CEDAW, and mainstreaming gender in humanitarian programming cycles in Panama and Venezuela, addressing the unique challenges faced by migrant women. In Costa Rica, the UN System aligned its joint work plan with the new Cooperation Framework, emphasizing a gender focus at each stage. ACRO's non-physical presence in Cuba facilitated a strategic alliance with the Parliament, advancing the National Program for the Advancement of Women and accelerating progress towards the gender goals of the 2030 Agenda. The submission of 9 UNCT SWAP annual reports (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, and Mexico) and capacity strengthening in the use of UNCT tools such as the GEM markers or the UNCT SWAP methodology in several countries, including Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela, and Paraguay, also demonstrates ACRO's commitment to advancing GEWE across the LAC region. In summary, ACRO's accomplishments in 2023 showcase its pivotal role in advancing gender equality, contributing significantly to the UN System's efforts in the LAC region. The Theory of Change for this outcome remains largely applicable, validating the sustained relevance and impact of ACRO's UN coordination initiatives.
outcome XM-DAC-41146-LAC_D_3.2
Latin America and the Caribbean Governments increased their capacity to advance a gender transformative perspective and implement gender equality international and regional norms and frameworks at the national and subnational levels
In 2023, notable progress was achieved, with significant influence on 12 key normative, policy, peace, and humanitarian processes by civil society organizations dedicated to gender equality and women's empowerment. During CSW67, UN Women actively facilitated the substantial engagement of civil society, particularly feminist and women organizations, through support for eight side events organized by LAC Member States. These events delved into the central theme of CSW67, exploring its implications in areas such as digital inclusion, digital violence, education, indigenous women's issues, the digital gap, rural women's challenges, climate change, and multilateralism. In collaboration with the OAS’ Summit Secretariat, the Government of Panama, and the Government of Canada, UN Women played a vital role in a workshop aimed at enhancing the capacities of civil society organizations in gender equality. With 36 representatives from various LAC countries in attendance, UN Women provided substantive information on the gender equality normative framework and guided participants on designing and implementing advocacy campaigns for gender equality and women's empowerment. Additionally, UN Women supported the organization of the Second Annual Forum on Human Rights Defenders in Environmental Matters in Latin America and the Caribbean. This collaboration with ECLAC addressed the challenges faced by environmental rights defenders in the region. Notably, UN Women directly supported the substantive participation of 12 CSO representatives at the Forum and organized a regional workshop for over 50 CSO representatives, creating awareness about the Escazú Agreement and advocating for its implementation with a gender equality focus. As part of its collaboration with the Regional Conference on Women of LAC, UN Women co-organized two meetings of the Presiding Officers in 2023, facilitating a regional consultation before CSW67 and CSW68. The main achievements included the adoption of the Regional Declaration on the priority theme by Ministers and high-level authorities of national machineries for women's advancement. UN Women ensured substantive CSO representation in these intergovernmental meetings, supporting panelists and in-person participants while assisting the NGO CSW LAC in organizing impactful meetings that garnered hundreds of participants. The resulting political declarations were shared with national authorities, acknowledging the crucial work of CSOs in advancing gender equality and women's empowerment in the region.
outcome XM-DAC-41146-LAC_D_3.3
Gender statistics, sex-disaggregated data, and knowledge are produced, analysed and used to inform countries´policies and norms and UN Women programming, advocacy and accountability for delivering gender equality and women´s empowerment results
In 2023, the Data and Statistics area of the UN Women's Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean significantly enhanced gender statistics' integration and utilization across various sectors. This initiative, crucial for the region's efforts towards gender equality, involved in-depth technical support and the development of partnerships aimed at mainstreaming gender perspectives in statistical production and policymaking. The data and Statistics area is responsible for the Women Count regional Program, which seeks to change how gender statistics are used, created, and promoted. It considers the coordination and support in the planned activities in the LAC region and specifically in México, Uruguay, Argentina, MCO -UN Women, and Colombia. It considers coordinating at the regional level and supporting activities, such as training, knowledge products, and methodological tools on gender statistics. The support extended to country offices, notably in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and 17 CARICOM countries, involved technical assistance for analyzing gender statistics and gender statistics training programs, thereby empowering these offices to leverage data in advancing gender equality goals. Developing knowledge products in coordination with the governments is crucial for its use. Also, the training programs guarantee capacity building on gender statistics across the LAC region; they provide a solid foundation for participants to improve their statistical skills, specifically in gender-related data collection and analysis. Also, UN Women worked closely with key regional partners, ECLAC, CARICOM, CLACSO, UN agencies, national statistics offices, and MAMs to streamline gender statistics activities. This collaboration aimed at ensuring a unified approach across the region, enhancing the accuracy and relevance of gender data. A landmark achievement was the collaboration with the Statistical Conference of the Americas (SCA). As part of the contributions, UN Women has been part of the Advisory Group for mainstreaming the Gender perspective in the SCA's working groups. Likewise, jointly with ECLAC, we served as technical co-secretaries for the working group responsible for developing the "Guide for Mainstreaming the Gender Perspective in Statistical Production." This guide, endorsed (SCA) as a regional guideline, represents a significant step towards embedding gender considerations into the creation of statistical analysis and policy development. It was developed in coordination with the NSOs from the region. The Global Centre of Excellence on Gender Statistics (CEGS), in coordination with UNODC, EVAW, Regional Offices, and UNODC, has participated in various meetings to introduce tools and guidance for piloting the femicide statistical framework. Ecuador will implement the pilot in the region, showcasing the region's dedication to addressing femicide through improved data collection and analysis. Finally, UN Women (RO and Mexico), ECLAC, INEGI, and INMUJERES organized 3 international events related to gender statistics. This gathering brought together experts from various fields, from NSOs, MAMs, academia, and international organizations, highlighting the regional dedication to advancing gender statisticsShowing 6 - 9 of 9
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References to Kosovo shall be understood to be in the context of United Nations Security Council resolution 1244 (1999).
References to Kosovo shall be understood to be in the context of United Nations Security Council resolution 1244 (1999).
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