Governments

4.4 The fundamental responsibility for the achievement of gender equality rests with governments. Gender equality is a human right, but it is also a public good bringing benefits to all. It is, therefore, the duty of governments to ensure that commitments to equal rights and opportunities are upheld and delivered. While some governments have shown a real commitment to gender equality, others have either given it a very low priority or actively obstructed progress.

4.5 It is governments which set the enabling environment for gender equality at the country level, and also in the global community through the formulation and implementation of conventions and other international agreements. They also command the public resources needed to deliver basic services in an equitable way, and set the 'rules of the game' for actors in civil society and the private sector.