Beijing+30: Taking Stock of Progress on Gender Equality Using the Global State of Democracy Indices
Source: International IDEA
The Beijing Declaration in 1995 recognized that gender equality is essential to democracy. Yet, 30 years later, progress remains uneven and at risk, with backlash against gender equality and democratic values threatening hard-won gains. Drawing on the Global State of Democracy Indices, produced by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), this technical paper explores advances, setbacks and gaps in gender equality and women’s political participation since 1995. As threats to gender equality and democracy grow, the 2025 Political Declaration of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) must reaffirm that women’s equal participation in decision making is fundamental to democracy—and that both gender equality and democracy must be protected (UN Economic and Social Council 2025).
In 2025 the world marks 30 years since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which established a landmark agenda for women’s empowerment. Coinciding with the 30th anniversary of International IDEA—the only intergovernmental organization with the sole mandate to strengthen democracy—this milestone reaffirms the 1995 declaration that women’s equal participation in decision making, alongside equal rights, opportunities and access to resources, is essential for democracy, peace and human rights, ensuring a just society that protects the interests of all. The importance of gender equality was also reaffirmed by all UN member states in the 2030 Agenda, in particular through Sustainable Development Goal 5 and its targets 5.1. and 5.5, which emphasize the elimination of all forms of discrimination and the promotion of women’s political participation as key targets for achieving inclusive and sustainable development.
Read here the full report published by International IDEA on 31 March 2025.
The Beijing Declaration in 1995 recognized that gender equality is essential to democracy. Yet, 30 years later, progress remains uneven and at risk, with backlash against gender equality and democratic values threatening hard-won gains. Drawing on the Global State of Democracy Indices, produced by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), this technical paper explores advances, setbacks and gaps in gender equality and women’s political participation since 1995. As threats to gender equality and democracy grow, the 2025 Political Declaration of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) must reaffirm that women’s equal participation in decision making is fundamental to democracy—and that both gender equality and democracy must be protected (UN Economic and Social Council 2025).
In 2025 the world marks 30 years since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which established a landmark agenda for women’s empowerment. Coinciding with the 30th anniversary of International IDEA—the only intergovernmental organization with the sole mandate to strengthen democracy—this milestone reaffirms the 1995 declaration that women’s equal participation in decision making, alongside equal rights, opportunities and access to resources, is essential for democracy, peace and human rights, ensuring a just society that protects the interests of all. The importance of gender equality was also reaffirmed by all UN member states in the 2030 Agenda, in particular through Sustainable Development Goal 5 and its targets 5.1. and 5.5, which emphasize the elimination of all forms of discrimination and the promotion of women’s political participation as key targets for achieving inclusive and sustainable development.
Read here the full report published by International IDEA on 31 March 2025.