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 XX women who were at the heart of history in 1995 and who continue to push for equality today.

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 XX 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, renowned for her lifelong advocacy for gender equality. 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.

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.

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.

Bandana Rana, Nepal

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

Olena Suslova, Ukraine

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

Paulette Metang, Cameroon

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

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.

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.

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.

Hafidha Chekir, Tunisia

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

Anjana Shakya, Nepal

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

Hibaaq Osman, Somalia

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

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.

Isabel María Martínez Lozano, Spain

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

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).

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.

Dr. Maryam Bibi, Pakistan

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

Margaret Lawson, 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.

Judy Lear, USA

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

Sara Winkowski, Uruguay

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

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.