‘Gold Mercury Award 1985 to INSTRAW, the United Nations International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women.
A specialised agency of the United Nations dedicated to advancing research on women’s rights and promoting gender equality worldwide.
The Gold Mercury Award Presentation Ceremony took place in Brazzaville, People’s Republic of the Congo on 14th of August, 1985.
Award Motivation
For advancing the awareness of women’s rights and fostering gender-sensitive research to promote the empowerment and equality of women.
Gold Mercury International Award: Recognising the Legacy of INSTRAW
Historical Background
The International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (INSTRAW) was established as a specialised agency of the United Nations to address critical global issues related to women’s rights and gender equality. Its foundation stemmed from the First World Conference on Women in Mexico City in 1975, where participants recognised the urgent need for dedicated research and actionable policies to improve the lives of women worldwide. A key decision made at this conference was that INSTRAW would operate from a developing country to better align with its mission and foster inclusivity.
INSTRAW was formally created on 12 May 1976 through United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Resolution 1998, and by 1980, it began its impactful work. The Dominican Republic became the host nation for INSTRAW’s headquarters, which officially opened in Santo Domingo in 1983. Despite challenges such as changes in leadership, funding structures, and proposed organisational mergers, INSTRAW remained steadfast in its mission, adapting to meet emerging global needs.
Throughout its history, INSTRAW spearheaded numerous groundbreaking initiatives, including the development of the Gender Awareness Information and Networking System (GAINS), which utilised online tools to disseminate gender equality resources. Its efforts included conducting research, facilitating training, and promoting sustainable development with a gender-sensitive approach. In 2010, the establishment of UN Women absorbed INSTRAW’s mandates, marking the end of an era and the continuation of its legacy within a broader institutional framework.
Mission of INSTRAW
INSTRAW’s mission was to enhance the economic, social, and political status of women globally by providing cutting-edge research, statistics, and training. The institute championed gender equality through education, capacity-building, and the creation of networks like the Gender Awareness Information and Networking System (GAINS). These efforts supported sustainable and environmentally conscious development and fostered dialogue among women across the world, empowering them to be active participants in decision-making processes at all levels.
Presenting the Gold Mercury International Award
The Gold Mercury International Award honours INSTRAW for its trailblazing contributions to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment. As the first UN entity explicitly mandated to provide research and training for women, INSTRAW set a precedent for integrating gender perspectives into global development agendas. Its innovative initiatives, such as the Gender Awareness Information and Networking System (GAINS), and its role in fostering international cooperation on women’s rights, have left an indelible mark on global governance and social progress.
This award celebrates INSTRAW’s unwavering dedication to improving the lives of women, promoting sustainable development, and establishing the foundational knowledge and networks that continue to inspire transformative change. By recognising INSTRAW’s achievements, we reaffirm the importance of research, education, and collaboration in the pursuit of a more equitable and inclusive world.
“INSTRAW’s pioneering work in advancing gender equality and empowering women has left an extraordinary legacy. Through innovative research and global training initiatives, it provided the foundation for systemic change in women’s rights. At Gold Mercury, we celebrate INSTRAW’s dedication to creating a more equitable world, recognising its vital role in shaping global governance and fostering sustainable progress.”