Outcome WSM_D_2.2

By 2027, the operational, normative and collaborative potential of the UNCT Cooperation Frameworks to contribute to greater gender equality is fully optimised by UN Women’s interventions

*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id="b9ef4448-562e-4445-a04a-b03500d5a347" data-testid="conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn="assistant"> By the end of 2025, the UN Country Team in Samoa demonstrated measurable improvements in how gender equality is operationalised, governed, and collectively advanced across UN system processes. Institutional performance shifted from ad hoc gender integration toward more standardised, accountable, and coordinated approaches, reflecting strengthened system-level capability to advance gender equality outcomes under the Cooperation Framework. At the normative and accountability level , the completion and validation of Samoa’s UNCT-SWAP Gender Scorecard documentation marked an institutional shift. UN agencies demonstrated increased clarity and consistency in applying gender accountability standards, including shared understanding of indicators, evidence thresholds, and performance benchmarks. This resulted in more disciplined reporting practices, improved quality assurance of gender-related data and narratives, and greater comparability across agencies. Furthermore, UN agency focal points engaged more actively in joint validation processes and demonstrated stronger ownership of collective gender accountability, rather than treating gender reporting as an isolated or compliance-driven exercise. At the operational planning level , these accountability gains translated into concrete changes in how the UN system plans and programs. Gender equality considerations were systematically integrated into the 2025–2027 Country Implementation Plan, with agencies aligning their workplans to Gender Scorecard recommendations, the UNSDCF (2023–2027), and relevant national frameworks including the Samoa National Policy on Gender Equality and the Pola Puipui National Prevention Framework. This reflects an improvement in institutional performance, whereby gender analysis and commitments are embedded upstream in planning and resource allocation processes, rather than appended post hoc. Interagency behaviour also shifted, with agencies engaging more collaboratively in joint planning discussions and demonstrating increased willingness to align priorities and sequencing around shared gender outcomes. At the collaborative and coordination level , the operationalisation of a functional Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Community of Practice represented a sustained change in how the UN system works together on gender equality. Through regular, structured engagement co-led by UN Women and the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development , UN agencies, government counterparts, donors, and civil society increasingly used the platform to exchange technical knowledge, align advocacy efforts, and coordinate on priority issues such as gender-responsive budgeting, GBV prevention, disability inclusion, and safeguarding. This reflects a behavioural shift from parallel agency action toward more deliberate, multisectoral collaboration, supported by shared norms and expectations. Institutional capacity for sustained collaboration was further strengthened through the establishment and use of shared coordination infrastructure, including technical rosters and common knowledge management systems. These mechanisms reduced duplication, clarified roles, and enabled more efficient mobilisation of gender expertise across the UN system. As a result, agencies demonstrated improved responsiveness to cross-cutting gender issues and greater consistency in applying GEDSI standards across programmes and operations. Finally, improvements were observed in the quality of gender integration across UN system analyses and internal governance processes . Targeted technical reviews and interagency dialogue led to more accurate and nuanced treatment of gender issues in UN reports and operational protocols, including those related to women’s land tenure arrangements, village governance practices, staff safety, and safeguarding. This reflects both an institutional performance change, through strengthened internal quality control, and a behavioural change, as UN actors increasingly sought and applied gender expertise as part of routine decision-making. Overall, these changes indicate that the UNCT in Samoa has strengthened its collective capacity to operationalise gender equality commitments in a more coherent, accountable, and collaborative manner. UN Women’s technical leadership and convening role contributed to optimising the normative, operational, and collaborative potential of the Cooperation Frameworks, laying a stronger foundation for sustained and system-wide advancement of gender equality outcomes.

By 2027, the operational, normative and collaborative potential of the UNCT Cooperation Frameworks to contribute to greater gender equality is fully optimised by UN Women’s interventions

This outcome is on track. There has been some progress towards the realisation of the operational, normative, and collaborative potential of the Pacific United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) to contribute to greater gender equality and women’s empowerment in Samoa. The United Nations in the Pacific has committed to the rollout out of a comprehensive assessment of the United Nations System-wide Action Plan (UNCT-SWAP) Gender Equality Scorecard for a second time in less than 5 years. This commitment demonstrates willingness to being able to more concretely understand areas that need further joint action to progress gender mainstreaming and advance gender equality and women’s empowerment. The assessment will be undertaken across all three sub-regional United Nations Resident Coordinator Offices (RCOs), including the Samoa RCO, in a separate but coordinated manner as the RCOs come under one Pacific regional UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2023-2027). The Samoa RCO covers Samoa, Cook Islands and Niue. In November 2023, the Government of Samoa signed the the Samoa Country Implementation Plan 2023-2024 (CIP). Also in November 2023, the Government of Cook Islands signed the Cook Islands Country Implementation Plan 2023-2024. These endorsements signify country-level agreements with the Pacific UNSDCF. The Niue Country Implementation Plan 2023-2024 is earmarked for signing in the first quarter of 2024. The CIPs of Samoa, Cook Islands and Niue builds upon the Pacific United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023-2027 (UNSDCF) developed by the United Nations (UN) and 14 Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs). These CIPs is firmly anchored to country-level priorities and structures and defines the UN actions and deliverables in Samoa, Cook Islands and Niue, including those of UN Women, to help achieve the outcomes of the Pacific UNSDCF. The CIPs will guide the joint efforts, and the collective results expected will help these countries ensure all people are equal and free to exercise their fundamental rights, enjoy gender equality and peace, remain resilient to existential threats, and live in harmony. Throughout 2023, UN Women played a pivotal role within the Joint Programme Presence in Samoa to advance and ensure the inclusion of gender equality and women's empowerment throughout the Samoa CIP, and additionally the Cook Islands CIP and the Niue CIP. Capacity building of agencies through training and access to tools and guidance on gender responsive programming was undertaken which in turn has advanced/ is advancing joint action on gender equality for the three countries. UN Women’s overarching commitment focused on supporting Samoa, Cook Islands and Niue national development priorities on gender, Sustainable Development Goal 5, and alignments with international standards such as CEDAW and the Beijing Platform for Action.

By 2027, the operational, normative and collaborative potential of the UNCT Cooperation Frameworks to contribute to greater gender equality is fully optimised by UN Women’s interventions

Throughout 2024, the Samoa UNCTs' capacity for gender equality continue to strengthen through coordinated interventions and technical support provided by UN Women. The Samoa Gender Theme Group and Gender Development Group achieved improved collective action on gender equality initiatives, with UN Women serving as co-chair. Furthermore, the Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Public Sector Collaboration, of which UN Women is a member, established new standards for gender-responsive and inclusive development across Samoan agencies. Gender equality monitoring and accountability mechanisms across the UN system advanced through enhanced frameworks. The UNCT-SWAP Gender Equality Scorecard and Gender Equality Marker processes now provide more robust tracking and assessment of gender equality results, supported by UN Women's strategic guidance. Regional expertise deepened through knowledge exchange in specialized technical working groups spanning Samoa and Pacific jurisdictions. Gender mainstreaming across UN programming improved through collaborative efforts of UNICEF, UNFPA, UNDP, and UN Women, evidenced by more robust Country Implementation Plans and Gender Equality Marker application. In addition, UN system safeguarding mechanisms strengthened through enhanced PSEA protocols and digital safety measures. At the national level, Samoan institutions continue to strengthen capacity for gender-responsive governance through UN Women's technical leadership. The Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development achieved critical advancements in legislative frameworks through the "Translating CEDAW into Law" report and the third Legislative Compliance Review. The Beijing +30 National Report consultations established new benchmarks for inclusive policy development. Building on insights from the Spotlight Initiative, a comprehensive proposal addressing gender-based violence created new pathways for tackling harmful social norms and data gaps. Samoan progress in gender equality gained international recognition at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) and Commonwealth Women's Forum (CWF), engaging over 400 women participants. UN Women supported this visibility by facilitating the showcase of three transformative national initiatives: Samoa's Women's Economic Empowerment initiative through Manaia Market, which demonstrated concrete pathways for women's financial independence and market access; the National Prevention Framework, which presented innovative approaches to addressing gender-based violence; and the Gender and Environment Survey findings. This comprehensive national household data now informs gender-responsive climate action and disaster response planning. Through UN Women's technical expertise and platform-building support, these achievements highlighted Samoa's comprehensive approach to advancing gender equality through economic empowerment, violence prevention, and climate resilience. Throughout 2024, the Community Sector Advisory Committee, encompassing 16 government sectors and 24 Civil Society Organizations, enhanced institutional mechanisms for inclusive development through sustained engagement with UN Women. This extensive network ensured diverse stakeholder participation and strengthened inclusive approaches to capacity development across Samoa's government and civil society sectors. These achievements demonstrate Samoa's growing capacity for gender-responsive development, establishing sustainable frameworks for continued progress. The rights-based, participatory approach continues to enhance institutional effectiveness in advancing gender equality, directly contributing to Pacific UNSDCF objectives.