Audrey Galawu- Assistant Editor
As the world commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, a growing call for accountability resonates louder than ever. While progress has been achieved, challenges persist, and women’s rights advocates are demanding urgent action to bridge the gaps.
In 1995, at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, 189 countries adopted the Beijing Declaration—a groundbreaking resolution to achieve gender equality. The declaration outlined a comprehensive roadmap across 12 critical areas, including poverty, education, health, violence against women, economic empowerment, and political participation.
“Being ratified by 189 countries globally made it a very important promise to behold and advance gender equality and women’s rights. It was pivotal in our feminist advocacy,” says Anjali Shenoi of ARROW.
Every five years since its adoption, governments and civil society have reviewed progress. However, as Shenoi points out, “The conclusions adopted by CSWs are non-binding. While these conclusions influence national and international policies, civil society often struggles to hold governments accountable for their commitments.”
While some progress has been made since 1995, global challenges have hindered the full realization of the Beijing Declaration’s goals. Regressive trends such as neoliberal globalization, colonial legacies, authoritarianism, militarism, and climate crises have exacerbated gender inequalities.
“There is a growing number of anti-gender and anti-rights arguments and interventions from both governments and non-state actors,” says Shenoi. Policies like the "Global Gag Rule" further undermine feminist priorities.
Kavutha Mutua, Kenyan lawyer and founder of The Legal Caravan, highlights contradictions in government policies: “Countries like Kenya have very progressive laws on gender equality and are part of the Maputo Protocol but also align with regressive policies like the Geneva Consensus Declaration.”
Africa has made notable strides in some areas. Siyane Aniley from Ethiopia celebrates improvements in women’s political participation: “Female representation in Ethiopia's parliament has increased from 6% to about 42%.” Rwanda leads globally with women making up 64% of its parliamentarians. Additionally, 36 African nations have established support services for survivors of gender-based violence.
However, systemic barriers remain entrenched. Gender inequality in labour markets continues to hinder economic growth. Women’s economic parity in Africa declined from 61% in 2019 to 58.2% in 2023.
Maternal mortality rates remain alarmingly high in 27 African countries, while adolescent pregnancy rates are particularly concerning in East and Southern Africa.
Violence against women also persists at alarming levels. Female genital mutilation affects 34.6% of girls aged 15-49 in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite legal reforms, patriarchal norms continue to impede transformative change.
In Zimbabwe, women make up 54% of the population and nearly half of the electorate, yet they remain significantly underrepresented in governance. In the 2022 elections, only 22 women (10%) were directly elected to the 210-seat National Assembly. Zimbabwe’s Parliament consists of the National Assembly (280 members) and the Senate (80 members).
Of the 210 National Assembly seats, 70 are reserved for women (60) and youth (10) through a quota system. In the Senate, 60 members are elected by proportional representation, while the remaining 20 seats are allocated to chiefs (18) and persons with disabilities (2).
Although the women’s quota was introduced as a progressive measure, it has unintentionally sidelined women from competitive electoral positions. Those in quota seats lack political power, direct constituencies, and access to the Constituency Development Fund, limiting their influence in governance.
“In many parts of Ethiopia...the birth of a boy is celebrated with seven ululations, while a girl receives only three,” says Aniley. “This seemingly small difference signals the start of a lifelong gender bias.”
Despite these challenges, there is cause for optimism. Thirty-five African countries have enacted laws addressing violence against women. Efforts to end child marriage and domestic violence are being prioritized by 29 nations. Comprehensive sexuality education has been improved in 21 African countries.
“Kenya is still struggling to have proper comprehensive sexuality education,” notes Mutua. “But Liberia has introduced integrated health programs, while Rwanda and Ethiopia have announced family planning and reproductive health services.”
Ghana has committed to achieving 50% female representation in public life by 2030—a bold step toward gender parity.
“All hope is not lost as there is some progress made on the promises enshrined in the Beijing Declaration,” Mutua adds.
The Road Ahead: Accountability Is Key
As Shobha Shukla of CNS aptly states: “Women’s rights are fundamental human rights and a bedrock to advance progress on all other UN Sustainable Development Goals.” With just five years left until the SDG deadline and three decades since Beijing’s promises were made, accountability is no longer optional—it is imperative.
Governments must move beyond rhetoric to action by addressing systemic barriers that perpetuate inequality.
Munyaradzi MashiriCourt CorrespondentA 56-year-old man who allegedly hired a car using a fake identity and sold it has been arrested.Givemore Mesoemvura appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court..
ZimbabweAudrey GalawuAssistant editorZimbabwe’s real estate sector emerged as the top investment destination in the fourth quarter of 2024, accounting for a staggering US$2 billion in projected investment v..
ZimbabweRutendo MazhinduZim Now ReporterThe rollout of the Heritage-Based Curriculum Framework 2024-2030 has sparked a nationwide debate, with teachers and parents raising concerns over inadequate preparati..
Zimbabwe
Leave Comments