Thirty years ago, the world stood at a pivotal moment for gender equality. Women everywhere came together with a common goal – to demand their rights and change the course of history. Looking back, I see a world that has made strides but still has a long way to go.
There has been a global shift in recognising women as equal human beings, not just in name but in rights and responsibilities. More women are educated, employed, and involved in decision-making than ever before. But despite these victories, the pace of change has been slow, especially in key areas like economic empowerment. Women’s financial independence remains an uphill battle, and until we address this, true equality will remain out of reach.
While we celebrate the progress made for women globally, one group has remained largely overlooked – older women. Despite their lifetime of contributions, they continue to face significant barriers, many of which have only grown over the years.
Property ownership remains a major hurdle, with older women often struggling to secure housing and land rights. Access to finance is another obstacle, limiting their ability to participate in economic activities. Healthcare services, too, often fail to meet the needs of ageing women, leaving them vulnerable and unsupported.
Perhaps most concerning is the lack of recognition for their voices. Older women hold knowledge, experience, and wisdom, yet society frequently undervalues their contributions. We cannot claim to have achieved gender equality if we continue to silence those who have paved the way for the rights we enjoy today.
When I reflect on the challenges women faced in 1995, I see undeniable progress. Legal reforms aimed at improving property rights, inheritance laws, and marriage laws are slowly reshaping societies. While these changes are happening, they are not happening fast enough. We still live in a world where outdated customs and traditions hold women back, and the fight to dismantle these structures remains critical.
Despite the slow progress, I remain hopeful. The spirit of change is alive, and the fight for justice is relentless. Every reform, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction.
The fight for gender equality is not a battle for women alone. It is a societal issue that requires collective action. Men and women must work together to dismantle barriers, change cultural mindsets, and create a world where equal opportunities are a reality for all.
Too often, gender equality is framed as a struggle that women must lead on their own. This must change. We need allies across all sectors – governments, businesses, communities, and families. Only through unity can we break the cycles of discrimination and build a fairer world.
One of the most inspiring developments in recent years is the way older and younger activists are working together to advance gender equality. When I look at today’s young feminists, I see the same fire and determination that we had decades ago. But they are not alone in this fight – there is now a broader recognition that gender equality is a pillar of social and economic progress, and more people, including men, are stepping up to join the cause.
However, new challenges continue to emerge. Political conflicts in Africa and beyond have exacerbated violence against women, especially in displacement camps. Women searching for food are subjected to sexual violence, and conflicts have weaponised sexual violence as a tool to terrorise communities. These harsh realities demand urgent action. We cannot allow progress to be overshadowed by new forms of oppression.
As I reflect on the past three decades, my message remains the same: A luta continua – the struggle continues.
The journey toward gender equality is far from over, but we have come too far to turn back. My commitment remains unwavering, and I will continue to advocate, push, and fight for a world where all women, young and old, can live with dignity, security, and opportunity.
We must keep going. The future is in our hands.
Gertrude Mongella is a distinguished educationist, diplomat, and politician, renowned for her lifelong advocacy for gender equality. As the Secretary-General of the UN 4th World Conference on Women in Beijing (1995), she played a pivotal role in advancing global commitments to women’s rights.
She has held several ministerial positions in Tanzania, including Minister of Lands, Natural Resources and Tourism, and Minister without Portfolio in the President’s Office. A teacher by profession, she has also worked as a curriculum developer, school inspector, and teacher trainer.
Gertrude has served as a Member of Parliament in Tanzania, the East African Legislative Assembly, and was the first President of the Pan-African Parliament. She is the founder of Advocacy for Women in Africa and recently established the Gertrude Mongella Foundation, which promotes gender equality and empowerment.
