Progress on the Beijing Platform for Action in the Context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific

In the 25 years following the landmark Beijing Platform for Action, progress has been made on gender equality and women’s empowerment in many areas of life in Asia and the Pacific. The national review reports indicated that ESCAP member States have made concerted efforts to advance women’s access to decent work, such as through promoting entrepreneurship; to eliminate violence against women and harmful social norms; and to increase women’s leadership in all spheres, including through political representation. Yet challenges persist. Women continue to bear a disproportionate share of unpaid care and domestic work, and have unequal access to productive assets, basic services and infrastructure. Climate change and environmental degradation pose new threats where the full impacts are only beginning to emerge through data-driven assessments that outline the scope and gendered vulnerabilities. Changes in these diverse areas of life are the focus of this chapter.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Gender Equality

Reduced Inequalities

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions