Improvement of the status of women in the Secretariat

Calls upon the Secretary-General to implement fully and to monitor the strategic plan of action for the improvement of the status of women in the Secretariat (1995-2000) in order to achieve the goal of 50/50 gender distribution by the year 2000, especially at the D-1 level and above; requests the Secretary-General to ensure that heads of departments and offices develop gender action plans that establish concrete strategies for the achievement of gender balance in individual departments and offices, with full respect for the principle of equitable geographical distribution and in conformity with Article 101 of the Charter, so as to ensure, as far as possible, that the appointment and promotion of women will be not less than 50 per cent until the goal of 50/50 gender distribution is met; also requests the Secretary-General to continue his work to create a gender-sensitive work environment supportive of the needs of his staff, both women and men; further requests the Secretary-General to develop further the policy against harassment, including sexual harassment, and to issue detailed guidelines, based on the results of the comprehensive inter-agency survey; requests the Secretary-General to enable the Focal Point for Women in the Office of the Special Adviser on Gender Issues and Advancement of Women to monitor effectively and facilitate progress in the implementation of the strategic plan, including by ensuring access to the information required to carry out that work.

Adopted without vote, 85th meeting

3 p.

Adopted at the 85th plenary meeting, 9 Dec. 1998.