To effectively implement the UNCCD and address land degradation more broadly, the diverse realities and experiences of women and men must be identified and addressed. Governments at all levels, policy-makers, the UNCCD Secretariat and national focal points, implementing entities, financing mechanisms, civil society and communities all share the task of taking actions to address gender inequalities in social and legal systems, structures and processes that affect men and women in agricultural, pastoral and indigenous communities affected by desertification, drought and land degradation. That is, gender analysis and gender-responsive, human rights-based approaches must inform any policy, strategy or program that addresses land degradation and related issues, and gender equality must be dealt with as a stated, explicit and non-negotiable goal.