The European Union has enshrined gender equality as a fundamental right. The Staff Working Document on Progress on Equality between Women and Men in 2011 presents recent developments in gender equality and statistics in all fields covered by the Strategy for equality between women and men (2010-2015): equal economic independence; equal pay for equal work and work of equal value; equality in decision-making; dignity, integrity and an end to gender-based violence; and gender equality in external actions.

This report provides an overview of the main EU policy and legal developments on gender equality during the last year, as well as inspirational examples of policies and actions in Member States. It also analyses recent trends, on the basis of scientific evidence and key indicators that shape the debate on gender equality, and includes a statistical annex with more details on national performances.

Based on focus groups and interviews with nearly 4,000 women, men, girls, and boys from 20 countries, this book explores areas that are less often studied in gender and development: gender norms and agency. It reveals how little gender norms have changed, how similar they are across countries, and how they are being challenged and contested.

In recent years, there have been impressive gains in reforming laws to recognise women's rights. However, women continue to lack control over resources, access to services, voice in decision-making and protection from violence. The UN Women's report, Progress of the World's Women 2010/2011 will focus on women's access to justice. It will identify effective strategies employed by governments, civil society and multilateral organizations worldwide to expand women's access to justice and rights.