The gender approach focuses towards the observation, analysis and transformation of the cultural, economic and political differences that make up the conditions and position of men and women, boys and girls, and which cause inequalities and arise in discrimination and social exclusion situations.
The progressive inclusion of this approach in the field of public-policies planning and management in different countries in general, and in the UN in particular, emerges from the need to assess and value the reality from a justice and equality point of view. On one hand, it is meant to control the possible adverse effects and impacts that leave men and women in a disadvantaged position –trying not to incur in gender discrimination– and, on the other hand, it will enhance the promotion of equal opportunities with special emphasis in the reinforcement of capabilities and competences of girls and women, through their empowerment as rights-holders.