The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) is marking 30 years since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, widely regarded as a groundbreaking global plan for advancing women’s rights and gender equality.
First agreed by 189 governments at the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995, the Declaration outlines 12 critical areas, from political participation and economic opportunity to peace, environmental protection, and ending violence against women.
Speaking at the commemoration, former African Union Commission Chairperson Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma reflected on progress made in Africa, while acknowledging the work that still lies ahead.
“Thirty years on, there has been progress, not enough, but progress nonetheless. Rwanda now leads the world with over 60% of parliamentary seats held by women. South Africa, Senegal, Namibia, Ethiopia and other countries are also showing strong female representation. For the first time since Beijing, women have served as heads of state in Liberia, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Mauritius, Namibia and Malawi. Women are increasingly influencing policy, diplomacy, and peacebuilding,” she said.
Gertrude Mongella, who served as Secretary-General of the 1995 Beijing Conference and was the first President of the PAP, described the anniversary as a critical moment for feminism. She highlighted the need to continue pushing for gender equality and to ensure power structures offer fair opportunities to all.
“Governments have adjusted budgets and policies in key areas such as education, health, and human rights. Across Africa, women are rising to positions of leadership, showing their capacity to drive change,” Mongella added.
The event brought together activists, academics, diplomats, and young leaders to reflect on three decades of progress while recognising persistent challenges. Barriers such as limited leadership opportunities, economic inequality, the gendered digital divide, online harassment, and the disproportionate burden of unpaid care work continue to affect women’s lives.
As Africa marks this milestone, the gathering served as both a celebration of achievements and a reminder of the ongoing work required to achieve true gender equality across the continent.
–ChannelAfrica–
