The report was prepared following a request formulated by the Union for The Mediterranean (UfM) Paris Ministerial Declaration on strengthening the role of women in society. The request was «to establish an effective follow-up mechanism as a Euro Mediterranean forum and to ensure an effective dialogue on women­ related policies, legislation and implementation.

Ministers have mandated senior officials/experts to review progress in translating the Ministerial commitments into law, policy and practice and implementing the measures contained in the Paris conclusions and to provide a report to UfM Senior Officials taking into account consultations with civil society organisations.

This report outlines: Legislation and legal reforms related to women’s rights and gender equality; Policy changes, strategies and measures for achieving these aims and gender mainstreaming; Key achievements, innovations and best Practices;  Gap analysis and lessons learned; Recommendations for the ministerial meetings.