The Contribution Of International Institutions To Women Economic Empowerment. A Case Of The United Nations Entity For Gender Equality And The Empowerment Of Women (Unw)

ABSTRACT

The past three decades from the 80‘s have witnessed a steadily increasing awareness

of the need to empower women through measures that increase social, economic and

political equity. In recognition of the importance of establishing gender equality

around the world the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the

Empowerment of Women (UNW)) was established in 1984. Thus, this study aimed

to examine the contribution of the UN Women in women economic empowerment.

The contribution of UNW was studied under three aspects; the nature and magnitude

of UN Women contribution to women empowerment, activities being supported by

UN Women and finally the extent to which UN Women support is contributing to

women economic empowerment.

The research used a descriptive case study design and data was collected through 20

interviews, document review and internet sources. Interview reports, document

analysis findings were analyzed using content analysis method. The findings revealed

that UNW does not provide money to women but it contributes to women economic

empowerment through programs and activities that it does to women in various

places. UN-Women focus on women who are often excluded including rural women,

who are poor, illiterate, have less access to property ownership, credit, training and

employment. Activities include training, advocates, studies and formation of

networks of women engaged in informal cross-border trade.

Finally, empowering a woman means empowering a nation, community and the

entire human family. The study therefore recommends that UNW puts in more

attention and find out new approaches, skills, techniques, interesting programs and

further education that would draw women‘s attention even those who have never

been exposed to educational programs would have a sense of wanting to concentrate

more and get to explore new ideas.