Webinar: 30th Anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action – Advancing Women’s Political Participation in the next decade | International Knowledge Network of Women in Politics

Webinar: 30th Anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action – Advancing Women’s Political Participation in the next decade

Introduction

The Beijing Declaration in 1995 recognized that gender equality, inclusion and representation is essential to democracy. However, 30 years later, progress remains uneven and at risk, with a backlash against gender equality and democratic values threatening hard-won gains. The Report on Beijing30+ review meetng recognizes that the empowerment of women as leaders and decision-makers remains crucial to sustainable development and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Furthermore, it affirms that Gender-balanced decision-making is integral to justice, effective governance, peace and human rights. Therefore, increasing women’s participation in leadership roles within political, public, and economic sectors is essential for inclusive societies, strengthening economies, and enriching the decision-making processes.1Yet this recognition must be embedded in systems of change, legislations, social norms, and backed by a strong political will to enhance the role of women in politics.

Based on the above context this webinar focused on challenges, opportunities and the way forward for women in politics, outlining the global trends on women’s political participation over the past 30 years. The discussion in the webinar was guided by the following key questions.

History of the Beijing Platform for Action – Significance of the platform as a key moment in history that guided women’s equal representation and participation.
How have indicators on gender equality changed over the last 30 years?
How do we as development sector practitioners improve women’s political participation in the next decade? What steps must be taken today?
Transforming Social Norms for sustainable change. Given the backsliding of democracy, the next decade demands a concerted effort by activists and advocates of gender equality – what steps are needed?
Looking inwards, how can women-led movements organize better to have concrete impact in the next decade?

We were joined by:

⚪Ema Meçaj, Activist and Youth Rights Advocate

⚪Amanda Luz from People Powered

⚪Annah Sande, the first 1st Female and Youngest Mayor Epworth, Zimbabwe

📅 Date: June 18, 2025

🕑 Time: 14:00 CET

You can watch the full conversation here https://www.youtube.com/live/S0XStnP7C8o?si=6MV7UN8UzK-bleZc

Webinar: 30th Anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action – Advancing Women’s Political Participation in the next decade

Event

Webinar: 30th Anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action – Advancing Women’s Political Participation in the next decade

History of the Beijing Platform for Action – Significance of the platform as a key moment in history that guided women’s equal representation and participation.

How have indicators on gender equality changed over the last 30 years?

How do we as development sector practitioners improve women’s political participation in the next decade? What steps must be taken today?

Transforming Social Norms for sustainable change. Given the backsliding of democracy, the next decade demands a concerted effort by activists and advocates of gender equality – what steps are needed?

Looking inwards, how can women-led movements organize better to have concrete impact in the next decade?