The UNDP Global Initiative on Gender Equality in Public Administration (GEPA) was developed, with two key priorities:

(i) Supporting women’s empowerment and expanded participation and leadership in the executive branch of the state; and

(ii) Contributing to the availability of up-to-date information on gender equality in public administration and of evidence and analysis to facilitate informed policy and decision-making. 

Thirteen country case studies (Bangladesh, Botswana, Burundi, Cambodia, Colombia, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Mali, Morocco, Mexico, Romania, Somalia, Uganda) were conducted to reflect a variety of development contexts in all five regions where UNDP is operating and to provide evidence for identifying constraints to, and enabling factors of promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in public administration. 

The methodology for analysing the subject was developed and refined through extensive consultations with UNDP practitioners in the field, regional practice leaders, global policy advisors, government counterparts and external experts. Further consultations with UNDP country offices were carried out during the research on the case studies and follow-up reviews to identify relevant national policies, programmes and initiatives.

Learn more about the UNDP Global Initiative on Gender Equality and Public Administration (GEPA).

 For more information, read about: 

• Helen Clark at a UNDP event on Women, Excellence, and Public Service in June 2014. 

Additional publications on GEPA include: 

• GEPA Global Report 
• GEPA Project Brief available in English | French | Spanish