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 a comprehensive assessment to date of the initiative’s impact, financing, and lessons learned.
Principal Secretary, State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action Anne Wang’ombe said that 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” said Wang’ombe in her speech read on her behalf by Secretary General, State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action Grace Obonyo.
The 2026 Generation Equality publications present a consolidated body of evidence and insights on progress, results, and lessons learned across the Action Coalitions and the Women, Peace and Security and Humanitarian Action Compact.
Drawing on findings from across sectors, constituencies and geographies, they demonstrated how resources have been mobilized, commitments implemented, and meaningful change achieved for women and girls.
The publications show that since 2021 USD 50.3 billion has been committed, over USD 21 billion has already been disbursed and 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.
Director General United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) Zainab Hawa Bangura said that generation equality has demonstrated what is possible when governments, civil society, youth, the private sector and international partners come together around a shared vision.
Bangura said that beyond the commitments and achievements are countless individuals advancing gender equality every day with courage and determination.
“As we look ahead, we must ensure that commitments are anchored in policy, financing and accountability. One lesson remains clear: partnership is the foundation of lasting progress and sustainable development,” she said.
She added that 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,” she said.
The newly launched Generation Equality Vision and Strategy to 2030 sets out priorities to strengthen partnerships, scale financing, deepen impact and 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.
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.
By Anita Omwenga
