WUNRN
Beijing + 20: Past, Present & Future. Representation of Women & the UN System
Direct Link to Full 20-Page 2015 UN Women Report: http://www.unwomen.org/~/media/headquarters/attachments/sections/library/publications/2015/representation%20of%20women%20in%20the%20un%20system%201995%20-%202030.pdf
The Beijing Platform for Action remains the most
overarching blueprint for advancing women’s rights. Significantly, it mandates
the full participation of women “in all spheres of society, including
participation in the decision-making process and access to power, [as]
fundamental for the achievement of equality, development and peace”. This
includes women’s participation in decision-making processes within the UN
system.
The 20th anniversary of this landmark document represents
an occasion to reaffirm the principles of equal representation of women
in all institutions, and assess progress and challenges. Twenty years after the
Beijing Conference, the United Nations system continues to face significant
challenges in achieving the equal representation of women, particularly at
senior decision-making levels.
Past statistical trends and future projections on
representation within the UN system are analysed, and action points to overcome
obstacles and accelerate progress are presented. Past trends show that progress
has been slow and uneven, and that it will take another 14 years to achieve
overall parity at the current average rate of annual growth. To close the gap,
strong temporary special measures and a multi-pronged approach articulated in a
comprehensive policy are necessary, backed by the active, consistent and
sustained support of executive heads and senior officials.