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. It analyses how gender equality and the empowerment of women have been interpreted and implemented within the World Heritage framework, highlighting key issues and shortcomings. Gender equality and the empowerment of women have occupied a major position within the United Nations, as demonstrated by the impressive and diverse list of activities and events organized over more than 30 years. The issue concerns references to women in nomination dossiers, these being considered as key documents for the long-term interpretation, management and conservation of heritage properties. The chapter explains both the UN and UNESCO, as one of the UN's specialized agencies, have made gender equality a key priority.
