Beijing, Bloodshed, and Backlash
Karama 20
Global Feminism and the Arab Revolutions
The Fourth World Conference on Women saw the agreement of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which remain vital touchstones for the global movement for gender equality. As the world considers progress from Beijing, Karama has sought to gather views from our partners in Africa and the Arab region on the impact of Beijing, and its place in activism and policymaking today. These reflections come from a diverse groups of women, including decision makers who played a key role in Beijing, activists who participated, as well as those too young to have been there.
Introduction
The 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women, is perhaps the most prominent among a series of significant milestones for global feminist activism in 2025.
Learning from the optimism, positivity, and energy
Karama’s founder and CEO explores the transformational effect Beijing had on her outlook and way of working.
Beijing: A view from the top
The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action remain vital touchstones for feminist movements across the globe, so how were they arrived at by member states?
Beijing’s echoes in Omdurman
What impact did Beijing have for the activists and communities who were prevented from attending? Dr Samia Al-Nager explores the influence in Sudan.
Women, Resistance & Revolution
A generation too young to have been in Beijing would go on to lead and define the vast social movements that rose across the Arab region from 2011. Ayat Mneina reflects on Libyan women and the revolution.
An opportunity of a lifetime for civil society
The Beijing conference saw unprecedented participation of women’s rights activists, groups and networks determined to influence the process. What was it like to coordinate that engagement?
Endurance through conflict
Women and armed conflict was one of the Beijing Platform for Action’s 12 areas of concern, so what impact has Beijing and following international frameworks had for women who find themselves affected by war?
From ‘95 to the next generations
In the 30 years since Beijing, the activists who participated have become parents, grandparents, even great-grandparents. What can we tell young people now of the work to end the inequalities, discrimination and violence faced by women and girls?
Exploring the impact and legacy of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
Image: UN Photo/Milton Grant