The Annual Session of the UN Women Executive Board 2014, under item 6 of the agenda, discussed efforts towards empowerment of women at the regional level, and gender related challenges faced by developing countries.

A report on the joint field visits of the Executive Boards of UNDP/ UNFPA/ UNOPS, UNICEF, UN Women and WFP to Panama and El Salvador, was presented at the United Nations headquarters today. The purpose of these visits was to learn about the role, functions and efforts of various UN entities at the regional level, where delegations visited project sites in different areas.

The highlight of today’s meeting was Ciudad Mujer (Women’s City), which is a flagship project of the El Salvador Government. The Secretary for Social Inclusion of El Salvador, Dr. Vanda Pignato, emphasized that women undergo numerous disadvantages due to lack of opportunities through various dimensions of human development. Ciudad Mujer, therefore, deals in the areas of sexual and reproductive health, response to violence, education and vocational training, processes to strengthen economic autonomy, food security and integral childcare, all in compliance with the Millennium Development Goals. This initiative by El Salvador has inspired other delegations in their efforts towards women’s empowerment.

Delegations highlighted the importance of collaboration between government institutions and civil society with support from several UN agencies to combat violence against women, which is widespread in developing countries. They also highlighted the importance of ensuring that women’s rights are protected and fulfilled.

H.E. Mr. Gonzalo Koncke Pizzorno, in support of developing countries, underscored that the method used to classify developing countries in the UN forum does not take into account the challenges faced by these countries. The challenges are multifaceted and therefore, developing countries require special consideration through holistic answers and approaches.

Meeting Title: 5^th Meeting of the Annual Session of the UN Women Executive Board 2014
Speakers: H.E. Mr.Gonzalo Koncke Pizzorno, Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of Uruguay and President of the Board of Executive Directors of UN Women; Ms. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka Executive Director Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations; Ms. Lakshmi Puri Deputy Executive Director, Intergovernmental Support and Strategic Partnerships Bureau Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations; Mr. John Hendra Deputy Executive Director, Policy and Programme Bureau Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations; Dr. Vanda Pignato, Secretary for Social Inclusion of El salvador
Date: 19 June 2014
Location: CR 2, CB, United Nations HQ, New York
Written by WIT representative: Nusrat Laskar
Edited by WIT Representative: Marli Kasdan