As a final word of caution against approaches that neglect human rights , the Marangopoulos Foundation would like to underscore its dismay at attempts , in the current socio-economic environment , to erode the gains achieved through gender-based affirmative action . It therefore strongly supports the stance of the Executive Director of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women ( UN-Women ) , Under-Secretary-General Michelle Bachelet , in encouraging countries to resort to or preserve quotas to enhance women 's participation in politics .