For Sara Winkowski, the Beijing Conference in 1995 was not her first experience in the global women’s rights movement. Having attended the Nairobi Women’s Conference a decade earlier, she arrived in Beijing with high expectations. The momentum was palpable – more women than ever were attending, and with figures like Hillary Clinton taking the stage, there was a sense that the world was finally ready to listen.
“We were more aware of what women could accomplish, and we were determined to achieve our goals,” she recalls. The conference was challenging and rewarding, but most of all, it reinforced the power of collective action. Women from all walks of life came together, forging networks and friendships that would sustain their fight for decades to come.
Thirty years on, progress has been undeniable, yet uneven. More women have risen to leadership positions in politics, industry, and business. But despite these gains, gender parity remains elusive. “More women are in CEO positions, but still fewer than men,” Sara points out. “Violence and discrimination against women are rampant in many places. Just look at Afghanistan – they have gone centuries backward.”
While some countries have made significant strides, the Beijing Platform for Action remains a distant goal for many. Harmful practices like female genital mutilation persist, albeit at reduced rates. Women’s rights have advanced in some regions, but setbacks in others remind us that progress is fragile.
Sara also reflects on how perceptions of older women have shifted over time. “Before, a woman at 60 was considered old. Today, we see women in their 80s still active and leading,” she says. These changes have paralleled broader advances in women’s rights, but challenges remain.
As long as older women are active, their voices are heard. But when they step back, their visibility fades.
The intergenerational struggle for gender equality presents both opportunities and tensions. Working with younger activists is essential, but it requires older generations to embrace new approaches. “Many times, we think, ‘We’ve always done things this way, why change?’ But we need to listen to younger women and update ourselves on how they want to work.”
Despite the slow pace of change, Sara remains hopeful. “Honestly, I thought we would go faster. But a constant drop can eventually make a hole in a rock. That is what we are doing – working hard, everywhere, to advance women’s rights.”
Marking 30 years since Beijing, her message to the next generation is clear: never stop. The journey is filled with both triumphs and frustrations, but perseverance is key. “What Hillary Clinton said in 1995 – ‘Women’s rights are human rights’ – gave me the strength to continue,” she reflects. “And slowly, slowly, we will get there.”
She has held leadership roles in the International Council of Jewish Women, the World Jewish Congress, and B’nai B’rith International. A long-time participant in UN women’s conferences and environmental forums, she continues to champion human rights and interfaith engagement. She now resides in the U.S., committed to global advocacy.
