Part of the ‘I know gender’ series, the module ‘Mainstreaming gender equality in procurement’ offers practical tips and tools on how best to mainstream gender equality principles into the public procurement process. This includes sourcing from more women-owned businesses and increasing expectations for gender equality with key suppliers, among other actions.

“Previously, gender has been lumped in as a component of sustainability – but it also deserves a more concerted focus to change the current landscape,” said Patricia Moser, UNOPS Director for Procurement.

The lens of gender equality has rarely been – or is sometimes insufficiently – applied to sectors such as procurement. But procurement initiatives represent several billion dollars a year worth of business worldwide and form a part of every major institution – public and private. This is why it’s important that gender equality relevant standards and perspectives are incorporated and mainstreamed into this sector.

“It is hoped that this course module, co-developed by UN Women’s Training Centre, will allow users to understand why and how procurement constitutes a key enabler for gender equality and women’s empowerment. It is not only relevant but very opportune and indeed necessary. Its time has come,”  said Aparna Mehrotra, Director, Division for UN system Coordination for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, UN Women.

The module is open to anyone interested in enrolling but is particularly aimed at public procurement practitioners, including those in the UN system. It also contains useful information for procurers from the private sector.

Visit the UN Women Training Centre to enrol in the course or to learn more.