The event, considered the UN’s largest annual meeting for the empowerment of women and girls, will run until the March 22nd with discussions focusing on accelerating the achievement of equality, tackling poverty and strengthening gender-sensitive institutions and financing.

The event brings together representatives of governments, civil society organizations, experts and activists from around the world to agree on actions and investments that can end women’s poverty and move the gender equality agenda forward.

According to UN figures, 10.3 per cent of women today live in extreme poverty and are poorer than men.

In response, the UN considers progress towards eradicating this scourge 26 times faster to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 to be essential.

However, estimates suggest that accelerating the pace will not be possible without investment.

More than 100 million women and girls could be lifted out of poverty if governments prioritize education and family planning, fair and equal wages and increased social benefits.

At the same time, nearly 300 million jobs could be created by 2035 through investments in care services.

If gender gaps in employment were closed, gross domestic product per capita could increase by 20 per cent in all regions, said the UN.

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