UN Women ESARO Integrated Policy Support Operationalization 2026–2029

The Operationalizing ESARO 2026–2029 Integrated Policy Support (IPS) framework provides a structured, system-wide approach to delivering gender equality and women’s empowerment across East and Southern Africa. It responds to fragmentation in programming by aligning UN Women’s normative, coordination and operational mandates into a unified, outcome-driven model. IPS strengthens policy coherence, institutional accountability, financing and data systems to drive sustainable and systemic change.

The framework is anchored in a clear pathway to change that integrates multi-sectoral expertise, promotes evidence-based influence, and embeds gender equality within laws, policies and institutional practices. It emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, demand-driven engagement, and a strong focus on results, ensuring that interventions move beyond isolated projects to achieve scale and long-term impact.

Operational delivery is organized at the outcome level, supported by defined leadership roles, theories of change and integrated tracking systems. IPS is tailored to diverse country contexts, including non-presence programme countries and supports engagement in UN planning processes such as CCAs and UNSDCFs.

Guided by principles of inclusivity, accountability, and data-driven decision-making, IPS enhances visibility, coordination and learning across the Regional Office. Through a phased implementation approach foundations, delivery, and adaptation it strengthens partnerships, joint programming and continuous improvement.

IPS positions ESARO as a policy integrator and thought leader, enabling more coherent, efficient, and impactful delivery of gender equality results across the region.