Statement by Mary Robinson

HelpAge International is launching a campaign to honour the 30th anniversary of the historic 1995 Beijing Conference by spotlighting remarkable women who attended and helped shape the global gender equality agenda. 

Read below a statement by Mary Robinson, the first female Prime Minister of the Republic of Ireland. 

As we mark 30 years since the Beijing Conference, I reflect on a journey driven by courage, persistence, and hope. We have made significant strides in advancing the rights of girls and women, breaking barriers that once seemed insurmountable.

Yet, our work remains unfinished. True equality demands that we confront deep-rooted inequalities and empower women of all ages to shape their lives. The Beijing Platform for Action continues to inspire me, reminding us that gender equality is essential for sustainable development and essential for rights of all women and girls.

Today, as we confront global challenges like climate change, we must recognise that women, especially those in vulnerable communities bear the brunt of many crises.

 Let us honour the legacy of Beijing by embracing an inclusive vision of equality that uplifts women at every stage of life and promotes their leadership. Together, we can create a world where all women – young and old – thrive in dignity and equality.

 

Mary Robinson is a leader, human rights advocate, and champion of gender equality. She made history as the first female President of Ireland (1990-1997), following which she served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, where she advanced global human rights standards and consistently advocated for women’s rights and gender equality.

Mary has championed gender equality throughout her career, including at the Beijing Conference on Women in 1995, where she emphasised the importance of women’s participation in leadership and decision-making. She has continued this advocacy by linking gender equality to climate justice, highlighting the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and girls.

As a member and former Chair of The Elders, a group of global leaders founded by Nelson Mandela to promote peace, justice, and human rights, Mary continues to inspire action for a more equal and sustainable world. Through her leadership and advocacy, she remains a powerful voice for women’s rights, climate justice, and human dignity worldwide.