Background

The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action were adopted unanimously by representatives from 189 countries in September 1995 when representatives of governments and non-governmental organizations (NGO) observers gathered in Beijing, China for the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women. The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action reflected global commitment to the goals of equality, development and peace for all women, everywhere.

The Beijing Conference followed three previous World Conferences in Mexico City (International Women's Year, 1975), Copenhagen (1980) and Nairobi (1985).
The Beijing Platform for Action identifies 12 “critical areas of concern” considered to be major obstacles to gender equality and women's empowerment. The critical areas are: women and poverty; education and training of women; women and health; violence against women; women and armed conflict; women and the economy; women in power and decision-making; institutional mechanisms for the advancement of women; human rights of women; women and the media; women and the environment; and the girl child.

The Platform is a transformative and action-oriented agenda. It defines strategic objectives and spells out actions to be taken by governments, the international community, non-governmental organizations and the private sector.