The Beijing Declaration was adopted in the Beijing Fourth World Conference on Women, 1995. It is significant because it marked a turning point in gender equality across the globe. The Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action was adopted unanimously by 189 countries. It covers an agenda for women’s empowerment and is considered the key global policy document on gender equality.
The Declaration sets strategic objectives and actions for the advancement of women and the achievement of gender equality in 12 critical areas of concern. These areas include, Violence against women, Women in power and decision-making, Education and training of women to name a few. Hence, we can realize the importance of action plans under this Platform for Action in uplifting women.
The World conferences are organized by the United Nations. They took place in Mexico City in 1975, Copenhagen in 1980, Nairobi in 1985 and Beijing in 1995. The last was followed by a series of five-year reviews. Hence 2020, is clearly a critical year for women’s rights as it marks 25 years since the adoption of the Beijing Platform for Action and 5 years since the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
To review and analyze the progress and actions needed on women’s rights at a national, regional and global level, a series of forums were organized throughout 2019 and 2020. Nations submitted National Reviews of the progress achieved in empowering women and provided a comprehensive overview of developments towards gender equality. The reviews also include an assessment of the challenges encountered in the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and how this affects gender equality, the empowerment of women and girls. Alterations in the proceedings were made because of the pandemic and they will be continued henceforth in 2021.
Here are the significant points which come to light when we review the world’s progress towards gender equality.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s annual Goalkeepers report measuring SDG progress noted that birthplace and gender are some of the most powerful predictors of future success. For many of the world’s poorest, including women and children, the odds are stacked against them simply because of where they were born.
A report released by the United Nations in March, 2020 finds that progress towards gender equality is faltering and hard-won advances are being reversed. Rampant inequality, the climate emergency, conflict and the alarming rise of exclusionary politics all threaten future progress towards gender equality. The core areas which require attention have been identified as, cyber harassment, inequalities due to unpaid labor and unavailability of opportunities to paid work as well. Hence, effective action is required to prioritize the needs of women in the form of a vision, inclusive of all the identified shortcomings.
But the report also acknowledges the advancements in girl education, healthcare and representation in decision making over the past twenty five years. Over 131 countries have passed laws to support women’s equality in the past 10 years. Even the consistent efforts of youth led organizations have been revolutionary in driving accelerated action and striving for gender equality.
We do have a long way to go but the past twenty five years have led to remarkable change. We require change makers of all ages, nationalities and genders to lead participation of the community now more than ever. Let 2020 be the year for gender inequalities to dissolve amidst the chaos of the world.
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