In 1995, as a young woman from Ukraine, I found myself at the Beijing Conference – a pivotal moment for women’s rights on the global stage. It was an overwhelming experience to see women from every corner of the world coming together with one shared purpose: to create a future where gender equality was no longer a distant dream, but a reality. At that time, Ukraine was still finding its footing as an independent state, and our participation in this monumental event marked a new chapter in our own journey towards equality.
The atmosphere was electrifying. Everywhere you looked, women were passionately sharing their stories and aspirations. I was deeply moved by the energy in the room, and I longed to meet each woman and learn from her experiences. My hopes for attending the conference were simple, yet profound: to contribute to the global conversation on women’s rights and to bring back new perspectives to share with my peers back home. The conference felt like the start of something bigger – a movement that transcended borders and would unite women in ways we had never seen before.
When I left Beijing, I felt a surge of hope. We had done it. We had come together to make our voices heard, and that was just the beginning.
Reflecting on the years since Beijing, I see both remarkable progress and the challenges that persist. Globally, we have seen a shift in attitudes towards gender equality, but this journey has not been linear. There have been times of great advancement, but there have also been moments of stagnation. It’s a tale I often tell in my workshops: Imagine someone knocking on your window in the evening asking if you need firewood. You say no, because you already have it. The next morning, you go outside and find your firewood gone. This simple tale captures the dual nature of progress – improvement is always vulnerable to setbacks.
In Ukraine, I’ve witnessed a growing maturity in how gender equality is embraced. The idea is no longer a fringe movement; it’s now seen as a fundamental goal for society. This shift has been especially important in the context of the Russian aggression against Ukraine. While gender equality has found fertile ground in Ukraine, its opposite - patriarchy and suppression - continues to hold sway in the aggressor nation. This contrast has only strengthened our resolve to push forward.
However, despite the positive changes, there are also areas where we’ve seen regression. The implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action has been slow, and many gaps remain. But I’m still hopeful. The path to equality is a long one, and we must stay the course.
One area that continues to need attention is the rights of older women. As someone in my 60s, I can speak from personal experience. The biggest barrier to gender equality for older women is often internal. Many women, particularly older women, limit themselves in terms of their future, their capacity for growth, and their recognition of their own rights. There’s a deep-seated belief that age comes with a loss of value. But I am here to say: this is wrong.
Older women have immense human capital that is often underestimated. We carry wisdom, experience, and an understanding of the world that younger generations can learn from. But we need to break free from the chains of self-doubt and empower ourselves to continue contributing, to continue advocating for change. It’s not just about creating space for older women; it’s about recognising that we have a crucial role to play in shaping a better future.
The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action were a long-term strategy, and as I reflect on its implementation, I see both progress and gaps. There’s still much work to be done. But 30 years on, I feel as hopeful as I did in 1995. The journey has been challenging, but the fact that we are still fighting for equality speaks volumes about our resilience.
If I could offer one piece of advice to the younger generation of activists, it would be this: Never, never, never give up. The road to equality is not easy, but every step we take brings us closer to the world we envision.
As we look ahead, I believe the collaboration between older and younger activists is crucial. We must work together, sharing our knowledge and experience while also embracing new tools and ideas. The fight for equality is a collective effort, and only by coming together – regardless of age or background – can we create lasting change.
Despite the challenges we face today, I remain optimistic. The progress we’ve made in the last 30 years is proof that change is possible. And as we continue to push forward, I know that our collective power – older and younger women alike – will continue to shape the future of gender equality.
As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Conference, let’s remember that we have made some astonishing progress. But let’s also recognise that the journey is far from over. We must keep pushing, keep fighting, and, most importantly, never give up. The future is ours to create.
Olena Suslova is a human rights and gender activist and researcher with more than 30 years of experience. She has worked in Ukraine as well as countries of the former Soviet Union as an expert and trainer on gender, peace, conflict transformation.
She is the founder of NGO the Women’s Information Consultative Center, which came into existence in 1995. She has published about 50 books, research articles, and manuals on gender issues. She has been heavily involved in the UN’s Women Peace and Security Agenda since 2010.
