he United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Gender Equality Strategy 2022-2025 has been created during turbulent times. Multiple crises and risks are threatening the world and we are witnessing an alarming backlash against women’s rights and gender equality. Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, women have been nearly twice as likely to lose their jobs compared to men. Yet less than 20 percent of policy measures implemented by countries across the world have addressed women’s economic insecurity. Gender inequality also takes a toll on men and other affected groups. For men, rigid gender norms can fuel risky behaviours resulting in violence, poor health, and lower life expectancy.