Women account for one-half of the potential human capital in any economy. More than half a billion women have joined the world’s work force over the past 30 years, and they make up 40 percent of the agriculture labor force. According to the major global bilateral agencies, countries with greater gender equality are more prosperous and competitive.

Women empowerment is an important discussion in development and economics. It can also lead to the propositions regarding other trivialized genders in political or social circumstances. At Lochan & Co, we believe that empowering women implies creating an environment wherein they can take independent decisions for personal development and the development of society.

Many of the barriers to women’s empowerment and equity lie ingrained in cultural norms. Recent studies also show that women face more barriers in the workplace than do men. Gender-related barriers involve sexual harassment, unfair hiring practices, career progression, and unequal pay where women are paid less than men are for performing the same job.

Objectives

Working for the empowerment and rights of women and girls globally, UN Women’s main roles are:

• To support inter-governmental bodies, such as the Commission on the Status of Women, in their formulation of policies, global standards and norms.
• To help Member States implement these standards, standing ready to provide suitable technical and financial supportto those countries that request it, and to forge effective partnerships with civil society.
• To lead and coordinate the UN system’s work on gender equality, as well as promote accountability, including through regular monitoring of system-wide progress.
• To design and implement inclusive projects, taking into account how gender-based differences may affect program impacts considering experience with cultures around the world.

Consultation Areas

All human development and human rights issues have gender dimensions. The priority areas that are fundamental to women’s equality, and that can unlock progress across the board are:

• To end violence against women: This fundamental violation of women’s rights remains widespread, affecting all countries. Women need strong laws, backed by implementation and services for protection and prevention
• Trust Funds: Dedicated to programs that increase women’s economic opportunities and/or political participation at local and national levels.
• Economic empowerment: The multiple barriers that prevent women from seizing economic opportunities must be dropped.
• Peace and security: Specific threats to women must be identified and stopped, and women must be at the center of peace talks and post-conflict reconstruction.
• Governance:  Quotas and other special measures open more space for women’s participation. New skills help women realize their full leadership potential.