Standing in the sea of voices at the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995, I felt an energy unlike anything I had experienced before. The sheer force of conviction, the urgency in every conversation, and the shared determination among women from all walks of life were electrifying. As one of the organisers of Vietnam’s delegation, I knew this moment was historic – not just for the thousands of women present but for the millions whose lives we sought to change.
The Beijing Platform for Action laid out an ambitious vision for gender equality across twelve critical areas. It was more than just a document – it was a promise. A commitment to transform societies, challenge discrimination, and ensure that no woman, regardless of age or background, would be left behind. In the years that followed, I have dedicated myself to that mission, both through my work with the Vietnam Women’s Union and later as part of HelpAge International, where I engaged deeply in ageing and gender issues.
Three decades on, I see undeniable progress. Women have shattered barriers in politics, business, and activism, proving that leadership is not bound by gender. Laws have been reformed, workplace rights strengthened, and economic opportunities expanded. Global movements like #MeToo have not only exposed injustice but have forced conversations that once seemed impossible.
The digital revolution has played a crucial role in advancing gender equality, accelerating awareness and increasing accountability. Today, young women can connect, organise, and mobilise in ways we could only dream of in 1995. Social media has given a voice to those previously unheard, and technology has enabled new forms of advocacy and empowerment.
Most inspiring to me is the growing collaboration between generations. In both global and Vietnamese forums, I see older and younger activists working side by side, combining wisdom with innovation, history with digital savviness. Older leaders bring the institutional knowledge necessary to drive policy change, while younger activists energise the movement with bold ideas and grassroots momentum. This intergenerational alliance is a testament to the resilience of our fight.
And yet, despite these victories, gender equality remains a battle unfinished. Change, while real, has been uneven. Structural barriers, cultural norms, and economic disparities continue to slow progress. In some parts of the world, we are even seeing regressions in women’s rights, particularly in reproductive health and political participation. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed and deepened existing inequalities – women bore the brunt of job losses, increased unpaid care work, and heightened vulnerabilities to domestic violence.
New challenges have emerged that we never could have foreseen in 1995. Online harassment, gender bias in artificial intelligence, and the underrepresentation of women in the tech industry are pressing concerns. The digital space, while empowering, has also become a new battleground for gender discrimination.
The heart of the problem remains the same: women of all ages continue to face obstacles to equality, security, and full participation in society. If we are to truly dismantle these barriers, we must move beyond policy changes and address the deep-seated biases that still shape our world.
One lesson I have learned over these 30 years is that sustainable change requires collaboration – not just among activists but across sectors. Gender equality is not an isolated issue; it is interconnected with economic policies, climate action, peace and security, and technological advancement. If we are to build a truly inclusive society, we must acknowledge how gender intersects with age, class, race, disability, and other social factors.
Women must be part of shaping solutions to the world’s most pressing crises. From the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic to the threats posed by climate change, women – especially older women – must have a seat at the table. It is only through collective action, where governments, businesses, and communities unite, that we can ensure no one is left behind.
Despite the challenges, I remain hopeful. Not with the naïve optimism I had in 1995, but with the wisdom of experience. I have seen that progress is possible when we refuse to be silent, when we stand together, and when we persist – no matter how long the road may be.
In the next 30 years, I envision a world where gender equality is not just a goal but a reality. A world where women and girls, young and old, are empowered to lead, innovate, and thrive. A world where technology serves as a force for inclusion rather than discrimination. A world where the struggles of today become the victories of tomorrow.
Our work is far from over. But if history has taught us anything, it is that when women rise, the world rises with them.
Ms. Giang has been involved in designing, implementing, and evaluating numerous development projects on gender equality, ageing, micro finance, public health, and climate change adaptation.
She is also a researcher, speaker, and author of various reports and articles on socio-economic development and gender equality. Recently, she served as a consultant for the Network of Trailblazing Women Leaders WeLead Vietnam, continuing to contribute to sustainable development initiatives and supporting women-led businesses.
