The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
Promoting gender equality through procurement
A new UNOPS publication provides the public sector with insights into the importance of gender-responsive procurement.
The equal participation of women at all levels of society is at the core of sustainable development. It is critical for building peaceful and stable societies. And yet in too many aspects of life, women still face barriers – including when it comes to procurement.
There's huge unrealized potential in using public procurement in a more targeted and strategic way to support women's empowerment. Procurement can play an important role in not only creating economic empowerment but also promoting equality and inclusivity.
UNOPS 'Gender-responsive public procurement' report shows how gender equality considerations can be successfully integrated into procurement policies and processes.
By encouraging gender equality in the procurement of goods and services, public spending can help shift the dial on women’s empowerment.
More effective public spending can also address social inequalities, increase resilience to shocks from a changing climate and pandemics, and lay the foundation for a cleaner, more sustainable world.
The report includes information on UNOPS approach to mainstreaming gender-responsive procurement, best practice case studies and recommendations for governments to facilitate the inclusion of women-owned businesses in public procurement processes.
