UNIFEM Turns 30

Following a call by a group of dedicated women and men at the First World Conference on Women in 1975, the UN General Assembly established the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) in 1976 through resolution 31/133. Since then, UNIFEM has provided financial and technical assistance to thousands of innovative approaches throughout the world aimed at fostering women's empowerment and gender equality.

Today, the organization's work touches the lives of women and girls in more than 100 countries. UNIFEM also helps make the voices of women heard at the United Nations — to highlight critical issues and advocate for the implementation of commitments made to women by the world's nations.

On our 30th anniversary, we celebrate the partnerships, leadership and vision of scores of individuals, groups and governments that have made UNIFEM a strong and effective women's fund.

On our 30th Anniversary, my wish is for a strong UNIFEM to reach more people with the power to change the conditions under which women work and live, making the world a more just and equitable and a happier place for all.—Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Director, UNIFEM