UN Women Chief Calls for Gender Equality to Be a Central Priority in Development Programmes

The Executive Director of UN Women has called for gender equality to become a distinct and fundamental priority in the United Nations’ development programmes, stressing the need to strengthen efforts to advance women’s rights.

Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women, made the remarks on Thursday, 5 November, during the UN Global Meeting of Resident Coordinators.

Bahous praised the efforts of UN Resident Coordinators to improve the situation of women and girls and fulfil the United Nations’ commitments to advancing women’s rights.

She emphasised that gender equality should not simply be treated as one component of development programmes but should instead be pursued as an independent and central priority across the UN’s work.

Her remarks come as women and girls in Afghanistan continue to face widespread restrictions under Taliban rule, particularly in education, employment and participation in public life.

Since returning to power in August 2021, the Taliban have imposed numerous restrictions on women and girls. Girls have been barred from education beyond Grade Six, while women have been excluded from many workplaces and social activities.

The United Nations has repeatedly called on the Taliban to lift restrictions on Afghan women and girls, emphasising that sustainable and inclusive development cannot be achieved without women’s equal participation.