ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a critical analysis of the different efforts by the United Nations (UN) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women, whilst also explaining the different theoretical frameworks which have guided these efforts. Gender equality and the empowerment of women have occupied a major position within the UN, as demonstrated by the impressive and diverse list of activities and events organized over more than 30 years. However, the 'Women and Development approach', inspired by Marxism and dependency theory, argues that women have in fact always been involved in development processes and projects. Activities aimed at achieving gender equality and the empowerment of women within the implementation of the convention has been regularly reported on by the UNESCO Director General at the General Conferences. 'Achieving gender equality' a fundamental part of the 'Policy for the integration of a sustainable development perspective into the processes of the World Heritage Convention'.
