Overview : UNDP works to advance gender equality and empower women as agents of change and leaders in the development processes that shape their lives towards a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient world. Gender equality and women’s empowerment is integrated in the organization’s work in promoting sustainable development pathways, inclusive and effective governance systems and resilience building. The Regional Bureau for Africa of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP Africa) is developing the second edition of the Africa Human Development Report (AfHDR) series, to be launched in 2015.The report will continue to independently analyze and monitor trends and issues affecting human development in African countries. This report intends to provide intellectually independent, empirically grounded analysis of development issues, trends, progress and policies in order to help advance human development. It aims to set out the parameters of the transformative approach required for sustainable human development and real gender advancement to occur in Africa. UNDP Africa’s Regional Programme (2014-2017) prioritizes the achievement of sustainable and inclusive growth in line with key aspirations in the African Union’s Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want including “A prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development” as well as “An Africa where development is people-driven, unleashing the potential of its women and youth”. This study aims to use qualitative research in the form of online surveys, focus group discussions and interviews to explore how institutions have blocked or enabled gender reform, relating to women’s leadership, gender-based violence, discrimination in labor markets, and key disparities in health and education for the region, in an effort to devise sustainable policy solutions. |