UN Women and Bocconi University partner to advance gender equality through research and action

August 2026 — UN Women and Bocconi University have joined forces to advance gender equality through research, education and advocacy, with a focus on engaging men and boys as allies for change.

The new partnership brings together UN Women’s HeForShe solidarity movement and Bocconi’s expertise in social sciences and gender research. Together, they will strengthen the evidence base on gender equality, promote dialogue on transforming harmful gender norms and support action towards a more equal world.

The need for progress is urgent. According to The Gender Snapshot 2025, five years before the 2030 deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals, not a single indicator under SDG 5 on gender equality has been fully achieved. Women continue to face significant inequalities in economic participation, leadership and decision-making, while also carrying 2.5 times more unpaid care and domestic work than men.

Bocconi University, one of Italy and Europe’s leading institutions in the social sciences, has a longstanding commitment to gender equality, diversity, inclusion and women’s leadership. Through its Gender Lab, the AXA Research Lab on Gender Equality at Bocconi University, the university conducts research and develops educational and institutional initiatives that contribute to advancing equal opportunities and gender equality.

As a HeForShe Research Partner, Bocconi University will:

• Produce research: Publish at least one annual study, policy brief or evidence report on a gender equality priority aligned with HeForShe.
• Advance research on masculinities: Contribute evidence and expertise on male allyship, masculinities and the role of men in advancing gender equality.
• Engage the academic community: Mobilize faculty, researchers and students in research, knowledge-sharing and public dialogue.
• Amplify evidence: Work with UN Women to share research through policy dialogues, academic events and public platforms.
• Champion equality: Advocate for HeForShe principles within the university and through its wider networks and platforms.
• Track progress: Monitor gender representation and share relevant data and findings with UN Women.

Since its launch in 2014, HeForShe has engaged millions of people worldwide in taking action for gender equality. The partnership with Bocconi adds the strength of research and academic expertise to this global effort, helping translate evidence into dialogue, advocacy and action.

By working together, UN Women and Bocconi aim to demonstrate how research, education and collective action can help challenge gender inequalities and accelerate progress towards equality for all.