Gender equality is central in all efforts to advance human development. Achieving gender-equality is one of the MDGs and the EFA goals and it is one of UNESCO’s top priorities.

The latest CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women) for countries in the Arab Region show that, despite the progress made towards gender equality,  inequalities remain deep-rooted in legal frameworks, women and girls’ living conditions are undermined by discriminatory practices and cultural attitudes as well as enduring stereotypes.

As a response to the needs of the region, UNESCO Beirut - Regional Bureau for Education in the Arab States – places increasing emphasis on the issue of gender equality. At the regional level, UNESCO Beirut will be implementing programmes and activities focusing on advocacy and sensitization on gender equality and on enhancing capacities for gender mainstreaming. Tailor-made to the needs of specific countries, and in collaboration with other UN agencies, national counterparts and donors, specific issues concerning gender are addressed.