Africa’s Beijing+30 Review: A Critical Moment for Gender Equality and Reproductive Justice
National BPfA Review Reports | Events | United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (uneca.org)
Addis Ababa
As the world approaches the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women and the groundbreaking Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA) in 2025, African nations are taking significant steps to assess their progress in achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment for 2020-2025. The anniversary aligns with the 10th anniversary of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, creating a pivotal moment for reflection and action.
In a robust response to the United Nations’ call for comprehensive national reviews every five years, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is set to compile a regional synthesis report. This report will draw insights from the National BPfA Review Reports submitted by a diverse group of African countries, including Uganda, Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia among others.
Scheduled for discussion at the Africa Ministerial Conference on Beijing+30 Review in November 2024, this regional report aims to spotlight key achievements, lessons learned, and ongoing challenges in implementing the BPfA since the last review in 2019.
The outcomes of this review will not only inform national policies but will also contribute to a global report for the 69th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in 2025. This report will assess how effectively countries have honoured their BPfA commitments across 12 critical areas of concern, including reproductive rights.
In a collective call to action, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), alongside UN Women and the African Union Commission, emphasizes the necessity for enhanced partnerships among governments, civil society, and the private sector. As gender gaps continue to widen, the push for greater commitments and resources is more critical than ever to accelerate progress on gender equality and women’s empowerment in Africa.
This milestone review marks a crucial step in ensuring that no one is left behind as the continent strives for a more equitable future.
