Women and youth face distinct challenges in participating in the productive sectors of the economy. UNIDO fully recognizes that gender equality and the empowerment of youth lie at the heart of its mandate. The primary focus of UNIDO’s activities in this area is on the knowledge, skills, technologies and business support services needed to enable women and youth to engage in productive activities, generate income, and thereby reduce poverty. UNIDO ensures the efficient and effective integration of gender considerations throughout all its industrial development projects.