This brief shines a light on the critical role of women’s leadership in responding to COVID-19 and preparing for a more equitable recovery. Across the globe, women are at the helm of institutions carrying out effective and inclusive COVID-19 responses, from the highest levels of decision-making to frontline service delivery.

Supported by photos, data, infographics, and individual stories of impact, UN Women's Fund for Gender Equality (FGE) annual report presents main aggregated results achieved by its 25 active projects. It highlights the process and outcomes of its fourth grant-making cycle, 2018–2019, a scaling and innovation initiative. The report also features FGE’s South-South and triangular cooperation strategy, a few impact news from past projects, and two grantee partners’ op-eds.

This report represents the conclusions of two sessions held in Tunis, Tunisia on 12-13 May 2016 with members of parliament, representatives of ministries / government bodies responsible for monitoring and evaluating the SDGS, women national machineries and evaluators from across the Arab States region.

This study examines violence against women and girls in 18 Arab countries covered by both mandates of ESCWA and UN-Women, with particular focus on violence in the domestic sphere. The objective of the study is to generate evidence-based policy recommendations for Arab member countries in order to assist them in scaling up their commitment to combating violence against female population groups, especially in the domestic sphere, and to promote gender equality and enhance women’s empowerment in Arab societies.