In 1995, a young journalist from Nepal found herself at a global gathering that would change the course of her life. Bandana Rana had little idea of the magnitude of the event she was attending, nor how deeply it would shape her future. From that moment on, she would dedicate herself to amplifying women’s voices, advocating for gender equality, and strengthening the global movement for women’s rights. In this conversation, Bandana reflects on her journey, the progress made, and the challenges that remain.
I was a young journalist at the time, just starting out. I had little knowledge about women’s rights, but because I covered some women’s issues in the media, I was chosen to attend the conference. That was the beginning of my advocacy journey.
I arrived in Beijing with an open mind, not realising how significant this conference was. What struck me most was the presence of two women from rural Nepal. They had been invited due to their involvement in addressing trafficking issues, yet they had never been on a plane before and didn’t speak English. I remember helping them navigate the overwhelming atmosphere, interpreting for them, and guiding them through the experience. But by the second day, I grew frustrated. I felt like looking after them was slowing me down. I even questioned why donors had sent them.
Then I asked one of them what she had gained from being there. Her response changed everything for me.
She said, “I see all these women crying, shouting, demanding their rights. When these foreigners came to our villages before, we thought they were aliens. We never related to them. But now, I see that no matter our skin colour, race or nationality, we are all demanding the same thing: our rights. We are all the same.”
That was a powerful moment. It showed me the strength of collective action, of movement building. That energy, that unity – it made me feel powerful, not alone. It was in Beijing that I truly understood what it meant to be part of a global movement.
Back then, domestic violence was never spoken about publicly, let alone sexual violence. Today, these issues are openly discussed, and women’s voices have grown stronger. Even in rural areas, women are speaking out against gender-based violence. This shift towards institutionalisation – forming women’s networks, communities, and advocacy groups – was not present before.
Another significant change is that men are now engaging in these conversations. When I first started, men remained silent on women’s rights. Now, they are part of the dialogue, breaking the silence that once surrounded these issues.
Technology has also played a huge role. Social media has strengthened our advocacy, allowing information to spread rapidly. It has led to increased power of local and global voices working together to influence policies. But it has also facilitated new forms of violence and abuse, which remain difficult to regulate.
The struggles remain, but they have evolved. While many issues are now openly discussed, the backlash is real. Geopolitical shifts have given rise to regressive forces that challenge the progress we have made. Implementation of policies remains inconsistent. The Beijing Platform for Action is still relevant, but without accountability, we risk stagnation.
For me, Beijing was life changing. It was where I first understood the impact of advocacy and lobbying. It was fulfilling to see how movement-building could drive real change. But looking back, I ask myself: Why has there not been a Fifth World Conference on Women since 1995? There’s fear that if we open it up now, progress will regress. The backlash is strong. Still, the Beijing Declaration remains a foundation for gender equality efforts worldwide.
Hope is essential. It gives us strength to continue. While challenges are immense, I have seen enough progress to remain hopeful. But we must stay together. Collective action is more important than ever.
Fifteen years ago, at the CSW, I was asked, “What difference do you want to see in ten years?” Without hesitation, I said, “I want every household in my country to rejoice at the birth of a girl.” The right to be born, to be valued, to be educated and empowered - this remains my hope and my dream.
When I was younger, I respected older women, but I didn’t actively include them in gender advocacy efforts. Their rights weren’t a focus – it was more a cultural norm to show them respect. But inclusion? That was missing.
Now, as an older woman myself, I see that intergenerational learning is lacking. Young people often see us as ‘old school.’ But we have much to learn from each other. Advocacy is not just a stepping stone – it requires continuity. I fear that in Nepal, with so many lucrative career options available, the movement may lose its momentum. We must ensure that older women are not left behind. We must bridge the gap between generations. Young activists bring energy and new perspectives, while older activists bring experience and historical context. Together, we are stronger.
Be persistent. Stay focused. There will be hurdles, but if we walk and work together, we can overcome them. The fight for equality is not easy, but it is necessary.
CEDAW is a powerful tool to hold governments accountable. It aligns well with the Beijing Platform for Action. To ensure change, we must engage with these frameworks and demand implementation.
Gender equality is a long road, but I remain hopeful. Our collective voices will continue to shape the future.
Ms. Rana is the recipient of the Woman of Distinction Award 2016 conferred by the NGO CSW Committee for her dedicated work and contribution to gender equality globally. She is the chair of the board of directors of the Global Network of Women Peacebuilders (GNWP) and former Chair of the Global Network of Women Shelters and co- chair of Asia Pacific NGO CSW Committee.
