Discipline: Women’s Studies
The 4th World Conference on Women held in Beijing, China in 1995 culminated in the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platfonn of Action (PoA) by representatives from 189 countries. This Platfonn reflected a new international commitment to the goals of equality, development and peace for all women. This paper reviews current structures, mechanisms and processes adopted by national women/gender machineries to Implement the Beijing PoA (BPoA); highlights good practices and strategic interventions instituted at the country level; identifies achievements, constraints, and requisites in the implementation of the BPoA; ascertains the critical concerns that need to be addressed during the 10-year review and Implementation of the Beijing Agenda; and provides recommendations for enhanced regional and international cooperation. Restructuring of mechanisms for regional cooperation should be undertaken to revitalize and refocus collaboration on policy and strategic issues related to women's concerns and gender equality.