European Union and UN in talks to launch "Gender Initiative"


The United Nations and the European Union (EU) are in talks to jointly develop a new initiative that will further gender equality and women's empowerment in the world.

The announcement was made by the UN Spokesperson on Friday.

The Gender Initiative will focus on eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls.

UN Deputy Chief, Amina Mohammed is in Brussels where she met with European Commissioner Neven Mimica to discuss the global EU-UN Gender Initiative.

The European Union (EU) is an essential partner of the UN in development, human rights and peace and security.

Ms. Mohammed said the two organizations wanted to "engage in a renewed policy dialogue with partner countries," a statement by the UN spokesperson read.

These discussions will be accompanied by a "dedicated financial envelope for targeted actions."

The expertise and the capacity of both the EU and UN together will deliver on this urgent priority, the UN deputy chief stressed.

Once finalized, Ms. Mohammed said she hoped the Gender Initiative will motivate others to join.


SOURCE: Jocelyne Sambira, United Nations.