As part of our commitment to gender equality, UNESCO is preparing the first Report on Gender Equality and Culture. The Report, to be published at the end of 2013, aims to provide decision-makers, governments and civil society with the first global evidence-based resource to better understand the gender gaps, challenges and opportunities of culture, and to inform future policy-making in this field. The Report will bring together the latest research on gender issues related to the fields of creativity and heritage, and provide the first UNESCO assessment of the opportunities for women and men to participate in, contribute to and access cultural life. From a policy perspective, these opportunities to take part in cultural life, which is a cultural right and as such an integral part of human rights, are increasingly seen as important vectors for social inclusion, empowerment, inclusive economies and job creation.

One of the key expected outcomes of the Report is the compilation and centralization of existing research, policies, field case studies and data related to gender equality and women's empowerment in the fields of creativity and heritage. For this reason, UNESCO would like to include field experiences and research (including indicators) from NGOs, research institutes and associations, which could inform and feature in the Report.


If you are interested in sharing your organization's field research, case studies and data (and any other relevant information) and taking part in this new UNESCO initiative, please send an email to Ms Penelope Keenan ([email protected]) for more information.