In 2011, as part of a broader reflection on and assessment of the UN’s provision of rule of law assistance, the Secretary-General’s Policy Committee requested a mapping exercise to measure the extent to which the primary UN entities engaged in access to justice work in conflict-affected settings are focusing on women’s empowerment and gender equality, both through their programming and funding. This report documents the results of that exercise, which has focused on mapping current and recent relevant activities being undertaken by the nine UN entities which were at the time of the review members of the Rule of Law Coordination and Resource Group (RoLCRG). The study covers both headquarters and field level.

The intended aim of the review is to catalyse a system-wide effort towards a measurable increase in programming and funding in this area, illustrating the growing connections between the UN’s rule of law work on the one hand, and its commitment to mainstreaming gender into peace and security issues on the other.