World Scouting and UN Women Sign Memorandum of Understanding to advance gender equality in support of UN Women's HeForShe Initiative

The Secretary General of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), Ahmad Alhendawi, and the Senior Advisor to the Under-Secretary-General of UN Women and Head of HeForShe Initiative, Elizabeth Nyamayaro, signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the ongoing 41st World Scout Conference.

In the next three years, both organisations will collaborate to increase awareness of gender equality and empowerment, and inspire young people to take action toward achieving gender equality.

“HeForShe is incredibly excited about teaming up with the Scout Movement,” said Elizabeth Nyamayaro. “While gender norms are formed very young, it is also often young people who ask the best questions like: ‘Why can’t things be better?’ or ‘Shouldn’t we all have the same opportunities?’ With this new partnership, millions of Scouts are expected to commit to HeForShe by 2020, and we expect this energy to change how the next generation approaches issues of gender, rights and equality.”

The Scout Movement endeavours to be the world’s leading educational youth movement, enabling 100 million young people to be active citizens creating positive change in their communities and in the world based on shared values by 2023.

World Scouting aims to reflect the societies in which it exists and actively works to welcome all individuals without distinction, a diversity that is not only reflected in the membership, but also in the methods and programmes used within the Movement.

“I’m honoured to pledge my support for the HeForShe initiative, and I invite everyone in World Scouting to join me. Let’s take action toward achieving gender equality and creating a better world!” said Ahmad Alhendawi.