Marking the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA)

Together with Dutch Civil Society Organisations Gender Concerns International observed the sitting of the General Assembly of the United Nations that convened a High-Level World Conference on Women marking the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA).

The meeting highlighted the significant improvements that have been made in the past 30 years since the adoption of the BPfA, including the advancement of girls in education, the reduction in maternal mortality and the increased number of women in parliament. The meeting also emphasized the current challenges that create barriers to further achieve the goals of the BPfA. Secretary General to the United Nations Antonio Guterres stressed the current issues involving armed conflicts and climate change in which women are particularly vulnerable.

BPfA is the most comprehensive global framework for women’s rights and empowerment. It contains 12 critical areas for action, including women and poverty, education, women’s health, violence against women and women in power and decision-making Gender Concerns reiterates the need for resources, reforms and leadership to enhance the realization of the BPfA. With increased funding for women’s organizations, greater participation of women in politics and the increased accountability of perpetrators of violence and oppressive systems, the goals of the BPfA can be achieved