Frequenty Asked Questions

The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action is a comprehensive global policy framework for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of women. It was adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China, in 1995. 189 countries endorsed it, making it one of the most significant international commitments to advancing the rights and opportunities of women and girls. This framework remains one of the most comprehensive global agendas for achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment. The conference identified 12 critical areas of concern, addressing issues such as women’s health, economic participation, and violence against women, with global commitments to promote and protect women’s rights.

Beijing +30 refers to the 30-year review of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995. This review process assesses the progress made by countries in achieving the Declaration’s goals over the past 30 years. It examines the advancements and challenges in promoting gender equality and empowering women across various critical areas, including education, health, economic participation, political representation, and ending violence against women.

The Beijing +30 Review involves regional and global consultations, where governments, civil society, and other stakeholders reflect on achievements, address emerging gender-related issues, and propose actions to close the remaining gaps. The findings and recommendations from this process will contribute to shaping future strategies and policies to fulfil the commitments made in the Beijing Platform for Action.

• Women and Poverty
• Education and Training of Women
• Women and Health
• Violence Against Women
• Women and Armed Conflict
• Women and the Economy
• Women in Power and Decision-Making
• Institutional Mechanisms for the Advancement of Women
• Human Rights of Women
• Women and the Media
• Women and the Environment
• The Girl Child

• The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action remains highly relevant today because it continues to provide a comprehensive framework for addressing the persistent and emerging challenges related to gender inequality.
• In today’s social, economic, and political shifts, the Beijing Declaration remains a key tool for guiding policy reforms, advocating for women’s rights, and mobilizing action to achieve gender equality. Its relevance is further underscored by the rise of new challenges, such as digital gender divides, climate change impacts on women, and the need for more inclusive and intersectional approaches to gender justice. The Platform for Action inspires governments, civil society, and international organizations to renew commitments and drive efforts toward a more equitable future for all genders.

The Beijing Platform for Action is monitored and reviewed through a series of regular assessments and reporting mechanisms:

• National Reports: Countries are required to submit periodic reports to the UN on their progress in implementing the Platform’s commitments. These reports detail national efforts, achievements, and challenges in advancing gender equality.
• Regional and Global Reviews: Regional and global reviews are conducted to assess collective progress and identify shared challenges. These reviews often involve consultations with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders.
• Beijing + Reviews: Specific reviews are held at intervals (e.g., Beijing +5, +10, +20, +30) to evaluate progress since the original adoption of the Platform. These reviews include high-level meetings, conferences, and reports that analyze advancements and ongoing issues.
• Civil Society Input: Civil society organizations, including women’s groups and activists, contribute to the review process by providing independent assessments, participating in consultations, and advocating for policy changes.
• UN Mechanisms: The UN, through its various bodies and agencies, monitors the implementation of the Platform and supports countries in addressing gaps and advancing gender equality.

The review offers an opportunity to take stock of global and regional progress toward gender equality, reflect on emerging challenges, and renew commitments to achieving the goals set out in the BPfA.

Key outcomes include an updated assessment of progress, renewed commitments from governments and stakeholders, policy recommendations for addressing gaps, and a strengthened global movement for gender equality.

Governments, civil society organizations, youth groups, UN agencies, and other stakeholders participate in consultations and reviews to assess progress and offer recommendations for action. Regional and global meetings are organized to facilitate these discussions.

• Advocacy and Awareness: CSOs and youth advocate for the implementation of the Platform’s commitments, raise awareness about gender issues, and push for policy changes at local, national, and international levels.
• Monitoring and Reporting: They provide independent assessments of progress and gaps in implementing the Platform’s goals. Their reports and evaluations offer critical insights and help hold governments accountable.
• Consultations and Participation: CSOs and youth participate in consultations and reviews related to the Platform, including regional and global meetings. They ensure that diverse perspectives, particularly those of marginalized groups, are included in discussions.
• Capacity Building: They engage in capacity-building activities, such as training and workshops, to empower women and girls and enhance their ability to contribute to gender equality efforts.
• Advancing Innovations: Youth bring fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to addressing gender issues, contributing to new strategies and solutions.

The Beijing +30 review is aligned with other global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 on Gender Equality, and initiatives like Generation Equality. It also contributes to ongoing discussions on women’s rights at international forums.

The outcomes and recommendations from Beijing +30 will guide future policymaking and advocacy at national, regional, and global levels, influencing initiatives aimed at addressing gender disparities across sectors.

You can participate by joining national or regional consultations, engaging in online campaigns, attending related events, and contributing to advocacy efforts through civil society organizations.