Despite the fundamental importance of gender equality, progress in Africa is slow. It will take much greater and more effective work by all partners to accelerate the pace of change.

DFID is committed to working with all other partners to support and promote progress on gender. African regional institutions, UN specialistbilateral agencies with agencies, a strong focus on gender and civil society are all playing key roles in Africa. DFID also works closely with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Ministry of Defence in particular on strengthening women’s political representation, and women’s participation in peacekeeping and peacebuilding work.

In all these partnerships DFID will seek to draw on its knowledge and experience of how best to:

• increase girls’ access to education and women’s access to health services
• engage with a wide range of ministries and sectors
• work with wide range of donor partners in a coordinated manner
• engage in country on complex social and political issues
• work with civil society partners in country to support advocates of change.