Kenya commemorates 30 years since Beijing Conference, renews commitment to gender equality

Kenya commemorates 30 years since Beijing Conference, renews commitment to gender equality

Kenya has marked the 30th anniversary of the landmark 1995 Beijing Conference with a special event organized by the Maendeleo ya Wanawake Organization (MYWO). The gathering brought together women who attended the historic conference, offering them a platform to share their experiences, reflect on the nation’s progress in gender equality, and highlight areas that still need urgent attention.

The event also saw the official launch of the Beijing +30 Kenya report, which provides a comprehensive analysis of Kenya’s achievements, challenges, and future strategies in advancing women’s rights and empowerment since the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China.

Speaking at the launch, Secretary to the Cabinet Mercy Wanjau reiterated the government’s commitment to eliminating gender disparities by 2030. She called on both men and women to work together in tackling gender-based violence (GBV), which remains a significant barrier to equality.

“The government remains fully committed to closing gender gaps by 2030. We must work together—men and women—to eliminate gender-based violence and ensure every woman and girl enjoys equal opportunities,” Wanjau emphasized.

Maendeleo ya Wanawake Chairperson Rahab Muiu urged the government to take a more active role in supporting women’s economic empowerment. She stressed the importance of development projects tailored to uplift women financially, noting that sustainable economic opportunities are key to achieving gender equality.

“The Beijing Conference laid a strong foundation for women’s empowerment. However, more action is needed to ensure that women have access to economic opportunities, financial support, and resources that can help them thrive,” Muiu stated.

The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, adopted in 1995, remains a global blueprint for achieving gender equality. Over the past three decades, Kenya has made significant progress in increasing women’s representation in leadership, improving access to education, and implementing legal reforms to protect women’s rights.

However, persistent challenges such as gender-based violence, economic inequality, and limited access to healthcare and education continue to hinder full gender parity. The Beijing +30 Kenya report highlights these issues and calls for stronger collaboration between the government, civil society, and the private sector to bridge remaining gaps.

As Kenya marks this milestone, leaders and advocates have reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating efforts towards gender equality. The Beijing +30 Kenya report serves as a guiding tool in shaping future policies and initiatives aimed at empowering women and ensuring that gender equity becomes a reality, not just an aspiration.