Gender refers to the socially constructed attributes and opportunities associated with women, men, girls, and boys as well as non-binary or gender-fluid persons. Sex is the physical and biological characteristics of men and women. 

Gender equality refers to the equal rights of persons regardless of their genders. It is a fundamental human right and a necessary foundation for a peaceful and sustainable world.  In most societies, gender norms and patriarchal structures result in inequalities and unequal opportunities for women and men. Gender equality therefore requires specific attention to the rights of women and girls and their empowerment, leaving no one behind, while also fully engaging men and addressing masculinities.

Gender parity refers to the equitable representation of women and men in various positions, for example in multilateral disarmament meetings, in UNODA, in a working group or event. The quantitative margins can vary depending on context but should be representative of the population. Working towards gender parity is a key part of achieving gender equality.

Gender mainstreaming is the chosen approach of the United Nations system and the international community towards realizing gender equality. It is not a goal or objective on its own but rather a strategy or process of assessing the implications for women and men of any planned action, including policies or programmes, in all areas and at all levels.

Gender analysis is a critical examination of how differences in gender roles, opportunities and rights affect women, men, girls, and boys as well as non-binary or gender-fluid persons in certain situations or contexts. Gender is part of the broader socio-cultural context and other important criteria for analysis include age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality or race. 

Gender-sensitive data can be quantitative or qualitive and reflect gender and intersectional issues. A key component of gender data is to collect gender- or sex-disaggregated data that presents information separately for men and women.

Gender-based Violence (GBV) is an umbrella term for harmful acts directed at a person based on or because of their gender and rooted in gender inequality, the abuse of power and harmful norms. GBV is more commonly perpetrated against women and girls and sometimes the term violence against women can be used interchangeably or when looking specifically at women as survivors. Domestic violence is any pattern of behavior that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. Sexual violence is any sexual act committed against the will or consent of another person and can be motivated by military objectives in conflict related setting.