Empowering UN System Agents of Change for Gender Equality
Cover image © Unsplash/Robert Katzki
Empowering UN System Agents of Change for Gender Equality
9 November–11 December 2026
The course is available in English
Introduction to the course
Gender equality has made progress, although it is threatened by multiple crises. How can UN System Agents of Change better include gender equality and tackle challenges arising from crises in the new era? How can Gender Focal Point (GFP) networks support organizations in embracing change? This United Nations Gender Focal Points capacity-building programme, collaboratively designed and implemented by the ITCILO and the UN Women Training Centre, will introduce GFPs to the UN gender architecture and the latest gender policies and frameworks. This 5-week blended learning and action-planning programme will allow participants to explore strategies and tools for identifying and addressing obstacles to gender equality in their context. They will examine gender-mainstreaming tools relating to Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment (GEWE), and their concrete application. If you are pushing for equality from the United Nations System, either in HQ or in the field, improve your practice and widen your network with this training course!
Who attends this course?
The course is particularly relevant for: - UN Gender Focal Points and members of Gender Focal Point networks; - members of inter-agency Gender Theme Groups or Gender Issue Groups; - programme officers, HR professionals, and colleagues supporting institutional change; - UN staff working on gender equality at headquarters, regional, or country level; - other UN personnel interested in strengthening gender mainstreaming within their organization.
Why join this course?
Gender Focal Points and other agents of change often work in complex institutional environments, where formal commitments to gender equality do not always translate easily into practice.
This course provides a structured space to strengthen technical knowledge, exchange experiences with peers, and develop practical strategies for advancing gender equality within UN entities. Participants will explore how to address institutional barriers, mobilize Gender Focal Point networks, and support sustainable change across programmes, operations, and organizational culture.
What will you learn?
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- better understand the UN gender architecture and the role of Gender Focal Points and their networks;
- identify gender inequalities and institutional barriers in their own work context;
- apply practical gender analysis and gender-mainstreaming tools;
- integrate gender equality across programmes, projects, operations, and organizational practices;
- develop strategies to address resistance and support institutional change;
- prepare an individual action plan to advance gender equality.
How is the course organized?
The course follows a blended and highly participatory learning approach:
- Online learning: guided modules, webinars, practical exercises, and peer exchange;
- Face-to-face learning in Turin: interactive sessions, case studies, simulations, group work, and exchanges with UN colleagues and experts;
- Online mentoring: individualized support to refine the action plan and translate learning into concrete follow-up within each participant’s institution.
Throughout the programme, participants will learn from experts from the ITCILO, the UN Women Training Centre, and the wider UN system, while also drawing on the knowledge and experience of their peers.
Testimonial
Hear the experiences and reflections from our former participant.
The course was a valuable learning experience that strengthened my understanding of gender equality frameworks within the UN system and provided practical tools to integrate gender mainstreaming into policies, programmes, and workplace practices. The opportunity to exchange experiences with colleagues from across the UN system was particularly enriching and offered valuable perspectives on advancing gender equality.
The knowledge and tools gained continue to support my work by helping me promote more inclusive and gender-responsive practices within my organization.
Ms. Iman Al-Qasem
Certificate
Participants who satisfactorily complete the required course activities, including their individual action plan, will receive an ITCILO Certificate of Achievement.
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