Global launch event: Policy Brief on Empowering women through public procurement

Public procurement represents a significant opportunity to build a more inclusive economy, ensure equitable socio-economic recovery and promote gender equality through increased participation of women-owned and women-led businesses in public procurement. Open, accountable, data-driven approaches to public procurement will improve every element of government spending. But for these to be fully effective, they must be inclusive of all businesses.

A new policy brief by UN Women and Open Contracting Partnership summarizes the key challenges women-owned and women-led businesses are facing – and presents the main global approaches and policies that have made a difference across the globe. The policy brief highlights examples of various public procurement policies and approaches from several countries, including Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Kenya, South Africa, and UAE.

Speakers include:

• Gheidy Gallo Santos, Presidential Advisor for Women’s Equity, Colombia
• Eric Korir, Director of Public Procurement, National Treasury of Kenya
• Alejandra Sepúlveda, Executive Director, Comunidad Mujer
• Seemin Qayum, Chief, Economic Empowerment Section, UN Women
• Lindsey Marchessault, Director, Data and Engagement, Open Contracting Partnership
• Jade Cochran, Programme Manager, Flagship Programme on Stimulating Equal Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs, UN Women