Nina V. Grishina

Natalia A. Ksenofontova

• Occupation: Senior Research Fellow
• Affiliation: Institute for African Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences
  
• Address: Russian Federation, Moscow

Political, economic and cultural factors of development have become a powerful catalyst for the women’s movement on the African continent, which has intensified in the last decades. One of the African women’s gains was the right to participate in various socio-political organizations that significantly influence the internal policies of governments.

Among the international organizations focusing on gender equality and human rights issues is UN Women, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in January 2021. UN Women promotes cooperation with national governments and civil society organizations to develop a legislative framework, social policy, targeted programs and services for the implementation of standards of gender equality and justice. The above involves the equal participation of women in social, political, economic and cultural activities. The focus is on the following priority areas: leadership and decision-making level; violence against women; peacemaking and security; women’s economic empowerment; adoption of gender equality in national development planning and budget policy development. The UN Women structure coordinates and supports the work of the entire UN system aimed at achieving gender equality, and all discussions and agreements related to the 2030 Agenda.

The work carried out in African countries by the staff and volunteers of the UN Women structure is diverse and fruitful both in the involving African women in economic processes, and in the enhancing their participation in the socio-political life. However, this organization needs more support from national governments, since gender equality and the empowerment of women is a must for comprehensive, equitable and sustainable development.