HelpAge International is launching a campaign to honour the 30th anniversary of the historic 1995 Beijing Conference by spotlighting remarkable women who attended and helped shape the global gender equality agenda.
Feminist solidarity: The power of unity in advancing women’s rights
In this piece, Anjana Shakya, a passionate advocate from Nepal, reflects on her experience at the 1995 Beijing Conference and the journey since. She shares her thoughts on the evolving challenges women face, the progress made, and the road ahead.
Beijing – A moment of solidarity
Anjana Shakya’s memory of the 1995 Beijing Conference is vivid. “The atmosphere was electric,” she recalls, speaking of the collective spirit of thousands of women from around the world, united by a shared mission to advance gender equality. “It was a moment of solidarity, hope, and determination.”
For Anjana, the goal was clear: to ensure the voices of Nepalese women – particularly those from rural, indigenous, Dalit, differently abled, and marginalised backgrounds – were heard at a global level. She facilitated the participation of Nepal’s only girl child delegate, who was the sole speaker from her country at the UN’s main session, an unforgettable moment for Anjana. “I felt empowered to return and mobilise Nepal’s women’s movement,” she reflects.
Inspired and determined
Since 1995, Anjana has witnessed notable progress in women’s rights, yet she acknowledges that the journey is far from over. The Beijing Platform for Action, which was embraced enthusiastically at the time, laid the foundation for positive change, including legal advancements in women’s education, work, political participation, and reproductive health. In Nepal, the country saw key wins such as equal inheritance rights, citizenship for women through their mothers, and safe abortion laws. Furthermore, women have emerged as visible leaders in both the political and social spheres.
The setbacks and uneven progress women face today
However, as Anjana notes, there have been setbacks too.
Patriarchy remains deeply entrenched,” she says, pointing out that newer challenges like climate change, digital violence, and regressive policies threaten the gains that have been made. “Many women, especially in conflict zones, still struggle for basic rights and security,” she adds. These continuing battles serve as a reminder that equality is still a far-reaching goal.
A particularly poignant issue for Anjana is the rights of older women, who remain overlooked in the gender equality discourse. While older women were part of the discussions leading up to the Beijing Conference, their voices were not adequately heard. “Their experiences, contributions, and needs – such as social security, healthcare, and protection from violence – are rarely prioritised,” she explains.
Anjana identifies a few critical barriers that older women face: economic dependence, limited political representation, and ageism. But she also notes a shift in recent years, with the discourse on older women gaining visibility. Despite this progress, she stresses that true inclusivity is yet to be achieved.
Modern challenges for women
When asked about the challenges women face today compared to 1995, Anjana draws attention to the intersectionality of modern struggles. “While many structural barriers remain, today’s challenges are more intertwined with technology, climate change, and globalisation,” she says. Women now contend with issues like digital harassment, political backlash, and the rise of conservative movements that threaten to undo hard-won gains.
Anjana’s reflections on the Beijing Declaration are mixed. While it remains the most comprehensive global framework for gender equality, its implementation has been inconsistent. “In Nepal, we made legislative progress, but many commitments remain unfulfilled, underfunded, or deprioritised,” she notes.
A broader and more intersectional view of gender equality
Anjana’s perspective on gender equality has evolved over the years. “I’ve come to appreciate intersectionality more deeply,” she says, recognising the multiple layers of discrimination women face, from infancy through old age. She stresses the importance of working with men, boys, and youth to foster attitudinal and behavioural change, as “just working for equality with women will not bring the positive change we want.”
In reflecting on her decades of activism, Anjana’s message is clear: “The fight is not over. We cannot be complacent.” As we mark 30 years since Beijing, she urges each new generation to continue pushing for gender justice. “Women’s rights are not given; they are won.”
Feminist solidarity: A powerful force for change
Looking to the future, Anjana is cautiously optimistic about the progress being made, despite the challenges. The growing backlash against women’s rights is concerning, but she believes in the power of feminist solidarity. “The struggle has to continue jointly to make a difference for women’s equality,” she affirms.
In Anjana’s view, intergenerational activism is key to sustaining momentum. Older activists bring invaluable historical knowledge and strategic insight, while younger activists inject fresh perspectives and innovative approaches. Together, they form a powerful alliance that bridges generational gaps, strengthens movements, and ensures that the fight for women’s rights remains as urgent as ever.
As Anjana’s journey continues, her commitment to advancing women’s rights remains unwavering. Through solidarity, shared wisdom, and a collective vision, she believes that real change is still possible. Women, girls, and older women alike must continue to demand accountability from governments and institutions, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of gender justice.
Feminist solidarity, Anjana concludes, is the movement’s greatest strength. The Beijing Conference was not just a moment in time; it was a call to action that must continue with greater urgency. Only through unity, collective action, and a commitment to the most marginalised will we see the gender equality we’ve long fought for.
Anjana played a critical role in advocating for policies on equal inheritance, citizenship through mothers, safe abortion, and women’s political representation. She was actively involved in CEDAW monitoring, and she led the National Girl Child Consultation in 2007 and 2010. Anjana continues to influence Nepal’s gender rights landscape through her tireless advocacy.