Establishment of a single UN gender equality entity

Daniela Rosche, lead of Oxfam's campaign in support of the new entity said:

"Oxfam welcomes the establishment of the new UN gender equality entity. A single UN gender equality entity is critical for women everywhere, and especially for women in the poorest countries."

"However, the proposed mandate of the new entity was compromised during the negotiations. For example, the GA has missed out on the opportunity to strengthen the accountability of the UN system for its gender mainstreaming responsibilities. It remains to be seen if the entity's mandate and structure, which have been agreed yesterday, will be powerful enough to ensure it has a positive impact on women's lives".

"UN member states' decision to involve civil society organizations and women's organizations in particular, in the work of the new entity is promising. Issues of women's rights, gender equality and development are far too complex for any organization to solve alone. Unless women's rights advocates can bring the perspectives of women to the table, it is doubtful that the new entity will be successful."

"Much will depend on the leadership of the new Under-Secretary-General who will soon be appointed to lead the new entity. Despite earlier promises by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, the recruitment process for this post is happening behind closed doors and has left civil society completely in the dark. We call upon the Secretary General to make this process transparent as a matter of urgency."