MIL-OSI United Nations: From Challenge to Change — Implementing Gender Action Plans in Practice

Across governments, institutions, and organizations, gender action plans (GAPs) have become essential tools for advancing gender equality. Yet, moving from policy documents to real-world impact remains a complex task. How can implementers bridge the gap between identifying gender-related challenges and taking concrete, effective action?

This webinar brings together representatives from national agencies, academic institutions, and other organizations that have developed and begun to implement their gender action plans. Our focus is not on the abstract or aspirational, but on the how: How were challenges identified? How were these transformed into actionable commitments in a GAP? And how have these commitments been — or are being — implemented on the ground?

Through case-based presentations and guided discussion, participants will gain insights into:

• The specific gender-related challenges that organizations sought to address;
• How these challenges were translated into clear, actionable items in a GAP;
• The strategies and tools used to implement these actions — including successes, setbacks, and lessons learned.

Designed for implementers at the national level — particularly in government agencies and public institutions — this webinar will offer real-world examples, practical reflections, and candid insights from those working to turn plans into progress. Whether you are at the start of your gender mainstreaming journey or seeking to refine and operationalize your existing plan, this event will provide inspiration and guidance from peers who are confronting similar questions.

This event will also mark the launch of the UNECE Working Party on Regulatory Cooperation and Standardization Policies (WP.6) publication, Gender Action Plan Blueprint: A Toolkit for Gender Equality in Standards, Regulation and Public Service. The Blueprint offers a practical roadmap for integrating gender considerations into quality infrastructure and public sector institutions. Structured around a modular, customizable model, it provides actionable guidance for organizations seeking to align their gender equality efforts with national priorities and international frameworks.

Join us for an engaging session that connects vision with action — and action with impact.

Welcome

• Lance Thompson, Head Regulatory Cooperation Unit (and moderator of the event)
• Michelle Parkouda, Chair Team of Specialists on Gender-Responsive Standards

National implementations from challenge to change

• Canada: Michelle Parkouda, “Building gender expertise into the standardization system”
• Rwanda: Elsa Ndibwami Tunga, “Implementing women’s empowerment in standards, certification, metrology, quality and testing services”
• Great Britain: Stephanie Eynon, “Women inclusion in standards development”
• Ecuador: Carla Gordon, “Code of conduct for participation in technical standardization committees, including gender equality”
• (potentially two other examples, to be confirmed)

Closing remarks

• International Organization for Standardization
• Michelle Parkouda, Chair Team of Specialists on Gender-Responsive Standards