b'Soroptimist InternationalReport for the High-Level Political ForumConclusionsItisessentialthatthefocusoffuturepoliciesandmechanismsthatcontributetothe empowermentandequalityforallwomenandgirlsmusthaveagender-transformative, humanright-basedapproachandaddressthespecificneedsofvulnerablegroups.With increasing inequalities and the impacts upon all women and girls created by the COVID-19 pandemic being described as a shadow epidemic, concerted action must be taken to address gender equality in all COVID recovery plans, programmes and actions. Women and girls have been hardest hit by the pandemic, especially those who experience multiple and intersectingforms of discrimination. Gender-transformative, targeted action must be taken to reach these marginalised groups as they are being left behind in sustainable development. It is vital that it is recognised that the realities of these inequalities are created by policy decisions taken bystates and other stakeholders. Immediate action must be taken to rectify these discriminatory policies. It is frequently civil society organisations that bring the real life impacts of these policy choices to light. Therefore, the knowledge and role that CSOs have in sustainable development andCOVID-19recoveryhastobeacknowledged,andmoremustbedonetoimprove collaboration with, and support for, the essential work CSOs do. The following actions and policies should be implemented, as they will aid the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and full recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic:Implementation efforts must usegender mainstreaming and gender-transformativeand human rights-based approaches and principles, including gender budgeting, gender data and evaluation methodologies.Programmes and projects should be implemented in consultation with stakeholders, including all women and girls, and in response to their needs.Develop and introduce qualitative data measures. Promote and ensure the use of available technologies to increase access to quality education and means to social participation and economic empowerment, particularly for women and girls living in vulnerable situations.Take action to include women in humanitarian action and use gender-transformative approaches to realise the humanitarian-development nexus, to ensure the success ofsustainable development.Take urgent action to fully resource essential services and social protection floors which are required for the achievement of gender equality, ensuring that funds are distributed to achieve this aim.Establish effective, accountable and gender sensitive monitoring systems and promote capacity building, including the involvement of NGOs and civil society.43'