To mark International Women’s Day on March 8th, UN-Habitat Executive Director Mme Maimunah Mohd Sharif joined the International Gender Champions Network, at the launch of the Nairobi Hub. With the UN-Environment Executive Director and the Director-General of UNON, Mme Maimunah made three key pledges to make gender equality a working reality and break down gender barriers.

The pledges focused on eliminating all-male panels, supporting the career development of female staff and ensuring clear procedures relating to sexual harassment in the workplace. She stated: ‘Gender equality is a topic close to my heart, and I will dedicate myself to the empowerment of women, both within our organisation and through our programmatic work.’

The ED shared her own experience as the first female mayor of Penang, Malaysia, following 19 male Mayors. Working in such a challenging environment strengthened her resolve to support young female staff, and young women in general, to follow their dreams and fight for their rights.

Mma Maimunah highlighted the importance of International Women’s Day as an ‘important date in the global movement for women’s rights, equality and justice’ and shared her excitement to join the Gender Champions Network.

This Network is a growing network of leading women and men that are dedicated to improving gender equality within their organisations. The network has hubs in Geneva, New York, Vienna and now Nairobi. The network has made nearly 600 commitments to introduce real change in the way international organisations work and the programmes they deliver.