New York, NY – March 19, 2025 – A delegation from the Omanye Royal Kingdom participated in the event, “Tracking Progress and Measuring Empowerment Since Beijing: Insights and Inspirations from Gender Data,” held at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69). The event, organized by the UNDP, focused on the critical role of gender data and metrics in achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment.

The Omanye Royal Kingdom delegation engaged with key stakeholders to advocate for the use of gender data to inform policies and initiatives aimed at fostering financial inclusion, women’s leadership, and economic independence for women across Africa. This participation aligns with the Kingdom’s priority to strengthen partnerships with key institutions to expand funding for women’s entrepreneurship and economic independence.

Jody Heyman, a speaker at the event, highlighted the importance of data complementarity, stating, “What I like about our various reports, is that they’re complimentary”. She emphasized that by looking at data from different sources, a more comprehensive view of the situation can be achieved, which can then be used to leverage change.  

The event explored innovative approaches to uncover hidden inequalities and promote evidence-based policies through cutting-edge gender data and metrics. Panelists discussed the current state of gender equality, key barriers hindering women’s full potential, and strategies to navigate the coming decade. Discussions also highlighted the importance of addressing deeply entrenched gendered social norms that continue to shape human development outcomes and constrain opportunities for women.

The Omanye Royal Kingdom delegation attended discussions on the importance of utilizing gender data to drive change and the significance of data accessibility,  and highlighted the need for data to be readily available and easily understandable, so it can be effectively used to advocate for various causes.  

An key element that was emphasized is the importance of diaspora inclusion in gender equality efforts, advocating for economic and leadership opportunities for African women in the diaspora. This aligns with the Kingdom’s commitment to ensuring that women, regardless of their location, have access to opportunities for economic empowerment and leadership development.

Furthermore, there is a need for sustainable development solutions that protect communities, particularly women and girls, from climate-related risks. The discussions underscored the interconnectedness of gender equality and climate action, highlighting the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and the importance of integrating gender perspectives into climate resilience strategies.

The Omanye Royal Kingdom’s participation in this event underscores its commitment to advancing gender equality and fostering collaborations to achieve transformative change for women and girls globally.