In order to put emphasis on strengthening accountability, transparency and financing for gender equality and women’s rights, a discussion was held to address the role of development cooperation in supporting the implementation of the post-2015 development agenda. Ms. Khan began by highlighting the importance of strengthening political support for better financing in dealing with gender equality. Three specific areas were discussed, including mutual accountability and transparency, aid quantity and quality and the engagement of the diversity of development cooperation actors.

Next, Mr. Smith stressed how this is an important subject as an entry point to discuss the techniques needed to make progress.He specifically talked about the importance of easy access to information, which would empower and create solutions for solving grand societal challenges. Mr. Hendra then pointed out it is a must to build a more robust understanding of all countries on their specific situations. In addition, it is essential to strengthen government accountability and identify measures to address gender equality efficiently. This is necessary to maintain a transformative post-2015 development agenda.

Ms. Craviotto then briefly discussed the trends in funding for women’s rights, including the role of the private sector. She also quoted examples of various countries and their experiences in tracking allocations for gender equality. Ms. O’Neill explained the analysis on donor investments in gender equality, and women’s rights towards the implementation of the post-2015 development agenda. Based on the latest report published in March, the total amount of bilateral aid targeting gender equality and women’s empowerment tripled from 8 million USD in 2002 to 24 billion USD in 2012, resulting in an annual average growth rate of 12%. The increase in aid to gender equality and women’s empowerment is one of the most tangible outcomes of MDG 3 – promote gender equality and empower women.

Meeting Title: What women get: promoting transparency and accountability in financing for gender equality and women’s rights
Speakers: Ms. Zohra Khan, Policy Advisor of Governance and National Planning, UN Women; Mr. Anthony Smith, Director for International Cooperation, Department for International Development, United Kingdom; Mr. John Hendra, Assistant Secretary General and Deputy Executive Director, UN Women; Ms. Nerea Craviotto, Lead Advocacy Coordinator, Association for Women’s Rights in Development (AWID); Ms. Patti O’Neill, Head of Division, Global Policies and Partnerships, Development Cooperation Directorate, OECD
Location: Conference Room C, United Nations HQ, New York
Date: 10 July 2014
Written By WIT representative: Samantha Kong
Edited By WIT Representative: Marli Kasdan