The UN is poised to create a powerful new department for women who say they have been sidelined for decades, to rectify a glaring omission in the world body.
Women from developing countries have been let down by the UN, say ministers. Photograph: Martin Godwin/GuardianAdvocates for women's rights are looking for a fully-fledged agency with a budget of $1bn (£639m) on a par with other high-profile UN departments, to address crucial areas such as violence against women, property rights and HIV/Aids.
"The UN record on women has been abysmal," said Stephen Lewis, co-director of Aids-Free World, and an advocate of gender equality. "It has neglected the rights and needs of women everywhere. It's clear to everyone that the marginalisation of women over decades is unacceptable and the best way to correct it is a UN agency like Unicef for children."
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