unece.org/oes/gender UNECE Gender Activities

Programme Information Note (English) Information Note (Russian) Background Papers  Presentations Press Release Final Report

Regional Symposium on Gender Mainstreaming into Economic Policies 28-30 January 2004, Palais des Nations. The Regional Symposium on Mainstreaming Gender into Economic Policies was a joint event organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe and the Office of the Special Adviser on Gender Issues and Advancement of Women (OSAGI/DAW). It was opened by Ms. Brigitta Schmögnerova, UNECE Executive Secretary and by a message from Ms. Angela King, Special Advisor to the Secretary General on Gender Issues and Advancement of Women. The meeting gathered over 80 participants, from 35 UNECE members states, representing heads of national gender machineries and 'line' ministries in the area of economics, such as ministries of economy, finance, and labour and social affairs. The discussion focused on four main areas: (i) access to finance and assets; (ii) women’s employability and employment; (iii) gender budgets; and (iv) pension systems. Mechanisms for mainstreaming gender into economic policies as well as regional co-operation among international organizations in supporting gender mainstreaming in the economic field, were also discussed. The Symposium aimed at supporting the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action (1995) and the outcome of the twenty-third special session of the General Assembly (Beijing +5) and the region-specific priorities agreed at the UNECE Regional Meeting for the 5-year Review of Implementation of the Platform for Action (Geneva, 2000). It is also a contribution of the UNECE region to the 10-year review which will take place in 2005.