641. The World Intellectual Property Organization would like to thank the co-sponsors of the communication on Women and IP in document for acknowledging the work of WIPO. We would also like to thank those Members who made positive comments on our gender related work and partnership.
642. There is a marked, and disconcerting, gender gap in the IP ecosystem, and WIPO is striving to address the some of the factors underlying this gap. WIPO undertakes a number of programmes to increase the involvement of women, especially women entrepreneurs in using the IP system by expanding knowledge and capacities. We are working to systematically mainstream gender equality considerations across our work programme. More specifically, we are focusing on generating and analysing disaggregated and gender specific data, collaborating on capacity development, and strengthening and replicating good practices. We are also working intensively with IP offices to mainstream gender consideration in their practices. Recently Daren Tang, Director-General of WIPO, has appointed Lisa Jorgenson as the Deputy-Director-General for Patents and Technology.
643. This is a new role aimed at encouraging female engagement with intellectual property. We very much look forward to working with Members on these initiatives. If any Member wishes to have more information on our work on gender and IP, we would be happy to provide further details.
