• Adopted: 1995, Fourth World Conference on Women, Beijing.
  • Signed by: 189 countries.
  • Focus Areas (12 Critical Areas):
    Jobs, economy, political participation, violence against women, peace and security, environment, education, and more.
  • Why It Matters:
    • Action-based approach, not just goal-setting.
    • Recognizes gender equality as essential for peace, prosperity, and sustainability.
    • Reviews every 5 years to assess progress.

Achievements Since 1995

  • Legal Reforms:
    • 1,583 laws globally to address gender-based violence.
    • India: Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act.
    • Inclusion of tech-related abuse in legislation.
  • Support Services:
    • Expansion of shelters, legal aid, health and counseling services.
    • Police training in 100+ countries for survivor support.
  • Economic Empowerment:
    • Growth in laws against employment discrimination.
    • Reduced gender education gap.
    • Better support for reducing unpaid care burden.
  • Peacebuilding:
    • Rise in countries adopting National Action Plans on Women, Peace, and Security (19 in 2010 → 112 now).
    • Greater female participation in conflict resolution.