Generation Equality Marks 5-Year Milestone with New Evidence and Global Call to Action

Date: Wednesday, 1 July 2026

Nairobi, 1 July 2026 – UN Women and the Government of Kenya convened global leaders in Nairobi to mark five years of Generation Equality, highlighting major progress while launching a new body of evidence to guide the next phase of action.

At the center of the event was the unveiling of a suite of flagship 2026 Generation Equality publications, providing the most comprehensive assessment to date of the initiative’s impact, financing, and lessons learned.

Dr. Grace Obonyo, Secretary General, State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action, delivers the keynote remarks on behalf of Anna Wang’ombe, Principal Secretary, State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action, during the commemoration of five years of Generation Equality. Photo: UN Women Kenya/Jesse Matere Watakila

"Over the past five years, Generation Equality has helped accelerate Kenya's efforts to prevent and respond to gender-based violence through increased financing, strengthened partnerships, policy reforms, and community-led action. One of our greatest lessons has been that lasting change happens when commitments are localized and owned by communities. Our commitment remains unwavering as we build on these gains and work towards a safer, more equal future for all women and girls." — Anne Wang'ombe, Principal Secretary, State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action, delivered by Grace Obonyo, Secretary General, State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action.

The publications show that since 2021:

USD 50.3 billion has been committed
Over USD 21 billion has already been disbursed
Nearly 2,000 initiatives have been implemented globally

The Financial Commitments Analysis offers new insights into how gender equality financing is structured, revealing both progress and persistent gaps in distribution and access.

The Synthesis Report highlights how multistakeholder partnerships, bringing together governments, civil society, youth, private sector and the UN have driven policy change and strengthened collective action.

Zainab Hawa Bangura, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), addresses participants during the commemoration of five years of Generation Equality in Nairobi, underscoring the importance of partnerships in advancing gender equality and sustainable development. Photo: UN Women Kenya/Jesse Matere Watakila

"Generation Equality has shown that transformative change happens when we work together. Beyond the figures and commitments are countless individuals driving progress every day with courage and dedication. As we confront persistent challenges to gender equality, one lesson remains clear: partnership is the foundation of global progress and sustainable development." — Zainab Hawa Bangura, Director-General, United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON)

Antonia N’Gabala Sodonon, UN Women Kenya Country Representative, speaking during plenary discussion marking of five years of Generation Equality in Nairobi, highlighting UN Women’s mandate in advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. Photo: UN Women Kenya/Jesse Matere Watakila

Looking ahead, the newly launched Generation Equality Vision and Strategy to 2030 sets out priorities to:

Strengthen partnerships
Scale financing
Deepen impact
Advance inclusive and feminist leadership

A Compendium of Lessons Learned further captures key insights from five years of implementation, offering practical guidance on translating global commitments into tangible results.

Participants pose for a photo during the marking of five years of Generation Equality in Nairobi. The event brought together government leaders, development partners, civil society, youth advocates and the private sector to reflect on progress made, renew commitments, and accelerate action towards gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. Photo: UN Women Kenya/Jesse Matere Watakila

Speakers emphasized that while progress has been significant, global challenges, including shrinking civic space and financing constraints, require renewed urgency and sustained collaboration.

The event concluded with a strong call to action: to build on the momentum of Generation Equality and ensure that the next phase delivers even greater impact for women and girls worldwide.