Evaluation of the implementation of the UNICEF Gender Policy and Gender Action Plans (GAP 2 & GAP 3)

In recent years, significant progress has been made on a range of gender equality outcomes. However, persistent gender norms and power structures, compounded by recent escalating crises such as climate change, conflict and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, have exacerbated gender equality gaps worldwide. This underscores the need to address the root causes of gender inequality to achieve more transformative results.

UNICEF continues to advance the agenda for equal rights of women and girls, as part of the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals and other gender equality related targets. The organization has a key role in this agenda, with a unique contribution owing to its focus on children and adolescents and diverse partnerships. The UNICEF Gender Policy 2021-2030, the second Gender Action Plan (GAP) 2018-2021 and the third Gender Action Plan 2022-2025 commit UNICEF to an ambitious vision for gender equality and the empowerment of all children, adolescents, and women.

The UNICEF Evaluation Office, in close collaboration with the UNICEF Gender Team, conducted an Evaluation of the UNICEF Gender Policy and Gender Action Plans to support learning and accountability on progress towards gender equality. The evaluation assessed three key themes: first, the gender equality conceptual framework and articulation in the organization; second, the institutional enablers and their implementation; and third, the programmatic results and the integration of gender equality across programmes. The evaluation also identified good practices and lessons learned so that the organization can continue to provide effective leadership in gender.

The evaluation has derived evidence-based insights to nurture learning and inform UNICEF’s future strategic planning for gender equality and its positioning.