Strengthening Gender-Responsive CRVS Systems:
Reflections from the 4th Global CRVS and Gender Symposium
by Open Data Watch
28 October 2025
From October 15–17, 2025, partners and policymakers gathered in Nairobi, Kenya, for the 4th Global CRVS and Gender Symposium, co-hosted by the Centre of Excellence for CRVS Systems housed at UNFPA, IDRC, UNECA, UNICEF, Global Financing Facility, and Open Data Watch. The Symposium brought together global and national actors to discuss how inclusive and gender-responsive CRVS systems can drive equitable development outcomes.
Representatives of the Symposium co-hosting organizations gather for a group photo outside the venue.
As a long-standing partner of the Centre of Excellence for CRVS Systems, Open Data Watch (ODW) has worked to advance the understanding and use of gender data within CRVS systems through research, partnerships, and advocacy.
In collaboration with partners, ODW prepared the discussion background paper, “Financing for CRVS Systems: Building Sustainable Investment Pathways”, which explores how countries and development partners can strengthen and sustain CRVS financing mechanisms. During the Symposium, ODW also convened a roundtable discussion on financing for CRVS systems, bringing together donors, governments, and technical partners to share lessons and identify next steps for advancing sustainable investments in CRVS.
Discussion of transformative CRVS with panelists from Kenya, ODW, Bloomberg Philanthropies, UNFPA and IDRC.
The outcomes of these discussions underscore the importance of continued collaboration to secure long-term, gender-responsive financing for CRVS systems—a critical foundation for inclusive data and equitable development.
Stay tuned for updates on the outcomes of the meeting and the next steps to strengthen and sustain CRVS systems as a foundation for inclusive development.
Participants of the 4th Global CRVS and Gender Symposium gather for a group photo.
Learn More
- Explore the 4th Global CRVS & Gender Symposium website to learn more about the event and its outcomes.
- Read the discussion background paper, “Financing for CRVS Systems: Building Sustainable Investment Pathways” prepared by ODW.
- Browse the photos and blogs recapping the three-day Symposium.
