Celebrating three decades of courage and change

In March, as the world gathers in New York for the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), we also mark a defining milestone: 30 years since the historic 1995 Beijing Conference.

That moment in history reshaped the global movement for gender equality, igniting change that still resonates today. It was a turning point that saw the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action – a bold blueprint that continues to guide the fight for a world where women and girls can live as equals.

At CSW69, the global community will reflect on the progress made, the setbacks endured, and the work that still lies ahead. As part of this commemoration, HelpAge International is spotlighting remarkable women who were at the heart of history in 1995 and who continue to push for equality today.

The forgotten faces of gender equality

When people talk about gender equality, they often focus on the achievement of gender equality for younger women and girls.

But what happens as women age?

Despite making up a growing share of the global population, older women are routinely overlooked in policies, funding, and discussions about women’s rights. This article explores the challenges they face and what needs to change to ensure that gender equality is achieved for all women and girls.

Leaving no one behind.

Voices of change

Three decades after the Beijing Conference, the fight for gender equality remains urgent. Through this project, we are spotlighting the experiences, reflections, and calls to action from remarkable women who attended the conference. These women shaped the past and continue to inspire the future, demonstrating resilience, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to women’s rights.

Their stories urge us to celebrate the impact of the Beijing Conference and its legacy, reflect on the progress made and the challenges still to be overcome, and carry forward the fight for women’s rights.

Why their stories matter

The fight for gender equality is not over. As we mark this milestone, these interviews serve as both a celebration and a call to action. They remind us that while progress has been made, persistent barriers remain – especially for older women whose voices are often overlooked in gender equality discussions.

By sharing these stories, HelpAge International reaffirms the urgency of continuing the struggle for a world where women and girls of all ages live free from discrimination and inequality.

The Beijing Conference was a beginning, not an end.

The journey for equality is not over - and together, we can shape a future where every woman and girl can thrive.

Read their stories now.

Gertrude Mongella, Tanzania

Gertrude Mongella is a distinguished educationist, diplomat, and politician. As the Secretary-General of the UN 4th World Conference on Women in Beijing (1995), she played a pivotal role in advancing global commitments to women’s rights.

Discover Gertrude’s journey in championing gender equality.

Mary Robinson, Ireland

Mary Robinson was the first female President of Ireland, following which she served as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, where she advanced global human rights standards and advocated for women’s rights and gender equality.

Explore how Mary has contributed to gender equality.

Jessica Neuwirth, USA

Jessica Neuwirth is an international women’s rights lawyer and activist. She is one of the founders and Honorary President of the international women’s rights organisation Equality Now.

Learn about Jessica’s work in advancing gender equality.

Reema Nanavaty, India

Reema Nanavaty has been a transformative leader at SEWA for over 39 years, expanding its membership to 3.2 million, making it the largest union of informal women workers in India.

Follow Reema’s path in the fight for gender equality.

Ann Keeling, UK

Ann Keeling‘s 40-year career in global health and social development has included posts in Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, the Caribbean, Belgium, USA and her home country, UK. She is currently the Chair of Age International and Trustee of Age UK.

Read about Ann’s efforts to promote gender equality.

Bandana Rana, Nepal

Bandana Rana from Nepal is a member of the UN CEDAW Committee since 2017.

Uncover Bandana’s story in gender equality advocacy.

Olena Suslova, Ukraine

Olena Suslova is a human rights and gender activist and researcher with more than 30 years of experience.

See how Olena has shaped the movement for gender equality in her country.

Paulette Metang, Cameroon

Paulette Metang is an advocate for older people’s rights and ageing issues in Cameroon.

Find out how Paulette has worked towards gender equality.

Lidia Falcón O’Neill, Spain

Lidia Falcón O’Neill is the President of the Feminist Party of Spain and a pioneering activist, lawyer, writer, and journalist.

Dive into Lidia’s experiences in gender equality activism.

Edilia Camargo, Panama

Dr. Edilia Camargo is a Panamanian philosopher, educator, and international civil servant with a distinguished career in academia, diplomacy, and human rights advocacy.

Learn how Edilia has been a voice for gender equality.

Hafidha Chekir, Tunisia

Hafidha Chekir is a Tunisian retired professor of public law and has extensively researched gender equality and human rights.

Trace Hafidha’s journey as a gender equality advocate.

Anjana Shakya, Nepal

Anjana Shakya is a distinguished gender rights advocate and leader in Nepal’s women’s rights movement.

Understand Anjana’s role in driving gender equality forward.

Hibaaq Osman, Somalia

Hibaaq Osman is a Somali activist, political strategist, and women’s rights and human rights defender.

Follow Hibbaq’s impact in the fight for gender justice.

Dr. Enkhjargal Khorloo, Mongolia

Dr. Enkhjargal Khorloo is a medical doctor with over 40 years of experience in social development and has played a key role in shaping Mongolia’s population and public health policies.

Read about Enkhjargal’s lifelong commitment to gender equality.

Isabel María Martínez Lozano, Spain

Isabel María Martínez Lozano is currently the Chair of HelpAge Spain and has held several positions with the Spanish government.

Read about Isabel’s dedication to creating a more equal world.

Annette Lawson, UK

Annette Lawson has held leadership roles as Chair of Fawcett, NAWO, and the Women’s National Commission. She is also the co-founder and original co-chair of the UK Civil Society Women’s Association (UKCSWA).

See how Annette has influenced the gender equality movement.

Pham Thị Hoài Giang, Vietnam

Ms. Phạm Thị Hoài Giang has over 40 years of experience in international cooperation for gender equality and sustainable development.

Discover Pham’s contributions to gender justice.

Dr. Maryam Bibi, Pakistan

Dr. Maryam Bibi is a distinguished leader in women’s empowerment and education in Pakistan.

Explore Maryam’s leadership in gender equality efforts.

Margaret Owen, UK

Margaret Owen O.B.E. is a human rights lawyer specialising in women’s rights, particularly widows’ rights in conflict and post-conflict settings.

Learn how Margaret’s journey has shaped the gender equality agenda.

Judy Lear, USA

Judy Lear is a dedicated advocate for women’s rights, with a focus on older women.

Follow Judy’s impact in the fight for gender justice.

Sara Winkowski, Uruguay

Sara Winkowski is a dedicated advocate for women’s rights, environmental education, and interfaith dialogue.

Dive into Sara’s experiences in gender equality activism.

Beatriz Quintero García, Colombia

Beatriz Quintero García is a Colombian feminist activist and member of the Red Nacional de Mujeres. She has dedicated her career to advocating for women’s human rights, political participation, and freedom from violence.

Read about Beatriz’s lifelong commitment to gender equality.

Fatemah Khafagy, Egypt

Dr. Fatemah Khafagy is a leading advocate for gender equality. She led UNICEF Egypt’s gender programme for 15 years and established the country’s first Gender Equality Ombuds Office.

Uncover Fatemah’s story in gender equality advocacy.

Pratima Mathews, India

Pratima Mathews is a trauma-informed, integrative counsellor working with women impacted by domestic violence and abuse.

Read about Pratima’s experience at the 1995 Beijing Conference.

Villoo Nowrojee, Kenya

Villoo Nowrojee has been a feminist all her life. Her career involves teaching, social work, and library science. She has been Order Librarian at the Library of Congress Field Office, Nairobi, Kenya, and worked in the Africana Section of the Sterling Memorial Library at Yale University.

Read about Villoo’s efforts to promote gender equality.