VIENNA/WARSAW, 16 January 2025 – Today, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA) and OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) held an online seminar commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action, a cornerstone framework in advancing women’s rights and promoting gender equality worldwide.
Some 65 parliamentarians, OSCE officials and experts participated in the webinar, titled “30 years of the Beijing Platform for Action: The role of parliaments”. Adopted in 1995, the Beijing Platform for Action outlines 12 critical areas of concern: poverty, education and training, health, violence, armed conflict, economy, power and decision-making, institutional mechanisms, human rights, media, environment, and female children. For each of these areas, the Platform identifies strategic objectives and provides a comprehensive set of actions to be undertaken by governments, parliaments, and stakeholders at all levels—national, regional, and international.
Participants in today’s webinar noted that the anniversary is not only an opportunity to reflect on progress but also a call to renew commitments and strengthen efforts to achieve full gender equality. OSCE PA President Kauma said that “it’s a moment to reaffirm our commitment to the Beijing Platform for Action and to recognize that gender equality isn’t just a goal—it’s an urgent necessity for the health and progress of our societies.”
The need for the OSCE to reaffirm its dedication to fostering inclusive policies and ensuring the continued relevance of the Beijing Platform for Action in addressing the challenges of our time was also highlighted. “Twenty-six OSCE participating States have adopted legislative gender quotas, demonstrating a tangible commitment to increasing women’s representation in decision-making,” emphasized ODIHR Director Maria Telalian. “These milestones are a testament to the collective effort of governments, civil society, and, crucially, parliaments. Yet, we cannot afford to rest on our achievements.”
Keynote speakers included Rachel Weston Eschenbacher, Regional Policy Specialist UN Women Europe and Central Asia Regional Office, and Zeina Hilal, Manager Gender and Youth Programmes, IPU Secretariat. Eschenbacher urged parliamentarians to seize the opportunities to overcome persistent challenges facing women and girls, noting that parliaments can take practical steps to adopt plans and invest in gender equality to ensure that all people can enjoy opportunity.
Hilal pointed out that the IPU is working to make parliaments more gender-sensitive and mobilizing parliamentarians for action. She noted several areas of progress, but expressed concern about trends such as violence and harrassment against women in parliaments.
During the open discussion, it was stressed that marginalized groups are very important to keep in mind, and that with the current drift to political extremes in the OSCE area, there is a corresponding risk of losing female members. OSCE PA Members shared strategies of their national parliaments to increase women’s representation and legislation to prevent and punish domestic violence.
“In 1995, in Beijing, nations agreed that women’s rights are human rights,” noted Special Representative on Gender Issues Dr. Hedy Fry. “Yet, 30 years later, the rights of women continue to be threatened across the globe, and in some areas, have regressed. As we set our goals for the year ahead, I ask parliamentarians to take action: to include a gender perspective in all aspects of work in parliaments. We must focus our efforts to make the goal of ‘Women’s Rights as Human Rights’ a reality in the OSCE region.”
Yuliya Netesova, Chief of Democratic Governance and Gender Unit, shared her takeaways of the event, noting that achieving gender equality in politics necessitates a collaborative effort between women and men parliamentarians. With the global review of the Beijing Platform for Action approaching in 2025, she said, parliaments have a pivotal role in driving progress. The discussions today have highlighted the increasing threat posed by mobilization against gender equality, underscoring the urgency of our collective action, she underscored.
“Our collective action in our parliaments will be critical in turning these takeaways into meaningful change,” Netesova said.
To watch a video of today’s event, please click here.
