Thirty years later, Beijing beckons women
TANZANIA: IN a world where gender equality remains an everpressing issue, Beijing is poised to become the epicentre of progress and empowerment as China prepares to host the highly anticipated Global Leaders’ Meeting on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment. Set to take place later this year, the event promises to ignite new momentum for women’s rights and amplify voices advocating for a more inclusive and equitable world.
The forthcoming conference will bring together global leaders, policymakers and advocates to discuss major issues surrounding women’s development and gender equality. This initiative marks a significant step forward in the global movement to close the gender gap and create societies where women have equal opportunities to thrive in all aspects of life, including education, health, economy and politics.
The announcement of this historic event was made by China’s Foreign Minister and Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Mr Wang Yi, during a recent press conference.
The timing of the event is no coincidence, as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of the iconic Fourth World Conference on Women, held in Beijing in 1995. The monumental conference resulted in the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a cornerstone document that has since become a guiding framework for gender equality worldwide.
“Thirty years ago, Beijing bore witness to the determination of the world’s women to seek gender equality. This year, people will gather again in Beijing to discuss major issues concerning women’s development worldwide. We look forward to seeing more women live life to the full and realise their dreams,” said Mr Wang Yi.
Over the past three decades, China has shown unwavering dedication to promoting gender equality and enhancing women’s roles both domestically and internationally. Gender equality has been enshrined as a basic state policy, driving national action plans and policies that prioritise women’s development. From improving access to quality education and healthcare to increasing employment opportunities and political representation, China has made significant strides toward empowering women.
Domestically, China has celebrated numerous exceptional women who have contributed to the country’s modernisation and socio-economic growth. The country has made consistent efforts to ensure that women play an integral role in national development, emphasising their contributions across various sectors. Programmes aimed at poverty alleviation have also had a remarkable impact on women, with about half of the nearly 100 million people lifted out of poverty since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012 being women.
Internationally, China has engaged in robust partnerships with global organisations to promote women’s rights. Collaborations with UN Women, initiatives with UNESCO such as the Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education and contributions to more than 100 maternal and child health projects in developing countries highlight China’s tangible support for global women’s development. Furthermore, China has extended professional training to over 200,000 women from more than 180 countries and regions, underscoring its role as a leader in international gender equality initiatives.
Adding to the momentum, Ambassador of China to Tanzania, Ms Chen Ming Jian, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming event saying, “China has always attached great importance to the development of women’s cause. Over the past decades, China has provided women with equal and highquality education, ensured equal employment opportunities and promoted the synchronous development of women’s causes alongside economic and social progress.”
Ms Chen highlighted the pivotal role Chinese women have played in poverty alleviation and sustainable development, embodying the famous phrase “Women hold up half the sky.”
She pointed out that many Chinese women actively responded to the nation’s call for poverty reduction and have made significant contributions to building a better society.
She also reflected on her visit to the Secretary-General of the 1995 Beijing World Conference on Women, also known as “Mama Beijing, Dr Amb Gertrude Mongella, emphasising the shared objectives between China and Tanzania in advancing women’s causes.
She underscored the need for deepened cooperation to ensure equitable, inclusive and high quality development for women in both nations.
“We welcome Tanzania to attend the meeting and jointly promote the development of international women’s cause,” she said.
The Global Leaders’ Meeting on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment is not just another conference; it is expected to be a dynamic platform where world leaders can exchange ideas, share best practices and forge commitments to enhance women’s roles across all sectors.
Key topics of discussion will likely include improving access to education for girls, ensuring women’s health and safety, expanding economic opportunities and enhancing political representation.
Participants will also explore innovative approaches to tackling persistent gender inequalities and creating frameworks that support sustainable development goals related to gender equality. The meeting aims to produce actionable outcomes that will drive meaningful change and strengthen global efforts to build societies where women can thrive without barriers.
As the conference draws nearer, global anticipation is building. Advocates, policymakers and civil society organisations hope the event will lead to renewed commitments and groundbreaking initiatives that address pressing gender issues. Many are looking to Beijing to once again set the stage for transformative dialogue and concrete actions that will advance women’s rights worldwide.
The event could serve as a catalyst for governments to introduce new policies and programmes that uplift women, particularly in underrepresented and vulnerable communities. The Beijing meeting is expected to not only reflect on the progress made since 1995 but also identify remaining challenges and opportunities to accelerate gender parity.
The Global Leaders’ Meeting will undoubtedly echo the legacy of the 1995 World Conference on Women. Back then, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action emerged as a beacon of hope and progress, inspiring nations to adopt policies and initiatives that support gender equality. As we approach the 30-year mark of that historic event, the world looks to Beijing once more for guidance and inspiration.
China’s proactive role in hosting this event reflects its ongoing commitment to championing women’s rights and fostering a more equitable world. By providing a platform for open dialogue and collaboration, China is not only honoring its own achievements but also contributing to the broader global movement for gender equality.
The Global Leaders’ Meeting on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in Beijing is set to be a milestone in the ongoing global movement for women’s rights. It will bring together diverse voices, bridge cultural and political divides and build momentum toward a world where every woman and girl can live with dignity, freedom and opportunity.
As world leaders gather to discuss, deliberate and design strategies for a more gender-equal future, the spirit of progress initiated in Beijing three decades ago will undoubtedly shine through. The event promises not only to celebrate past achievements but also to pave the way for future generations of women to achieve their dreams and contribute to a better world for all.
