Improvement in the status of women in the United Nations system: Report of the Secretary-General (2023)

The present report (A/78/206) is submitted pursuant to UN General Assembly resolution 76/142 and assesses the status of women in the United Nations system for the period from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2021. Since the previous reporting period (1 January 2018 to 31 December 2019), the representation of women in the Professional and higher categories in the UN system has increased from 45.3 per cent to 47.0 per cent. For the first time, gender parity was reached at headquarters locations with 51.3 per cent. Parity has also been achieved and sustained among Resident Coordinators and the Senior Management Group since 2018.

At the same time, more progress is needed towards advancing the representation of women in the UN system and reaching the goal of 50/50 gender balance at all levels across the system. Women remain overrepresented at entry levels, while gaps persist at the P-4 level and above, notably at P-5 and D-2. Representation of women continues to be lower, or progressing at a slower rate of change, at non-headquarters locations, especially in field operations and mission settings.

This report contains recommendations aimed at assisting entities in the UN system to achieve gender parity, including through more coherent and targeted use and implementation of all available tools and techniques that are required to close these gaps. The creation of enabling working environments bolstered by robust leadership commitment remain prerequisites for organizational change as well as achieving and sustaining gender parity across the UN system.