This evaluation is included in the evaluation plan of DG NEAR 2018-2022 and in the EU Plan of Action on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment 2016-2020. Gender equality and empowerment of women and girls are fundamental human rights enshrined in international conventions and commitments. They are also among the founding values of the Treaty on EU and the Charter of Fundamental Rights. The EU has been increasingly active in promoting gender equality in external action, including cooperation