Beijing +30: Reclaiming progress and advancing girls' rights

By Sophia Papastavrou, PhD., Gender Technical Specialist, Natalie Fisher-Spalton, Gender Technical Specialist and Megan Cox Misawa, Gender Sector Lead and Faith & Development Lead, World Vision Canada

Thirty years ago, the global community came together to establish one of the most ambitious and comprehensive frameworks to advance gender equality, particularly in the areas of education, health, economic opportunity and social development. The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, adopted in 1995 by Canada and 188 other nations at the Fourth UN World Conference on Women, set out a bold vision and set of commitments to advance the rights of women and girls and to foster human dignity and equality for all people. This March, as we mark its 30th anniversary, we recognize both the progress made and the work that remains to address barriers to equal opportunity and prosperity for all women and girls.

Beijing+30 and World Vision Canada

The Beijing Platform for Action outlined 12 critical areas for advancing human development and dignity. The well-being and stability of societies depend on addressing key challenges, including poverty, access to education and healthcare, protection from violence and the impact of armed conflict. Economic opportunities, leadership representation and strong institutional frameworks are essential for fostering security and prosperity. Upholding human rights, ensuring responsible media influence, promoting environmental stewardship and safeguarding the future of children—especially girls, who are disproportionately impacted by harmful social norms—are critical to building resilient communities where every individual can thrive.

World Vision Canada partners with communities globally to tackle the root causes of poverty and injustice and aligns with global frameworks, such as the Beijing Platform for Action, and Canada’s own international development priorities, to bring positive change in the lives of children and families. This includes challenging harmful social norms, empowering women and girls and strengthening community resilience. We work to prevent and respond to sexual and gender-based violence, enhance access to education and economic opportunities, and promote women’s leadership in humanitarian and development contexts.

As a faith-based organization, World Vision Canada prioritizes community-led interventions, working with community and faith leaders to inspire positive change in the lives of all children and families. Grounding gender equality work in this approach helps ensure that processes to reflect on power imbalances between men and women are participatory and adapted to the local context. Our experience is that when faith leaders and communities reflect on harmful practices that put women and girls at risk and diminish their agency, they can identify solutions and mobilize positive change in their communities. By fostering inclusive dialogue and promoting positive social change, World Vision works to create environments where women and girls can fully exercise their rights and reach their full potential.

How World Vision Canada is making an impact

Fostering education and equitable economic opportunities

World Vision’s work empowers women and girls through health access, education, economic opportunities and leadership skills. We support programs that help people build sustainable livelihoods and achieve financial independence. By providing access to education and economic empowerment, we work to break cycles of poverty and inequality.

The AHADI project in Tanzania, funded by Global Affairs Canada, supports adolescent girls and young women in urban settings through peer-led health education, vocational training and leadership development. These interventions help them to make informed decisions on their sexual and reproductive health, enable their agency to prevent gender-based violence and equip entrepreneurs to be economically independent. Working with community and faith leaders, the project challenges harmful social norms and builds self-reliant communities.

Strengthening protections for the most vulnerable

In regions affected by instability and high rates of violence against women and girls, World Vision Canada implements survivor-centered approaches that prioritize safety, dignity and well-being. Conflict, displacement and disasters often exacerbate vulnerabilities and lead to increased incidents of violence requiring a comprehensive response to ensure security and stability.

Launched in 2021, the Every Girl Can Project (EGC) in Mozambique is a five-year initiative funded by Global Affairs Canada to address the underlying factors contributing to early forced marriages and sexual and gender-based violence. It focuses on reducing gender inequality, poverty and poor sexual and reproductive health and rights outcomes for adolescent girls and young women. Through mentorship, leadership training and safe spaces, the program provides young women with the tools needed to make informed decisions about their health, education and future and empowers them to live free from violence and discrimination.

Every Girl Can partners with governments and communities to create safe, supportive environments where girls can thrive. It strengthens policies, resources and social systems to uphold their rights while equipping girls with knowledge, confidence and skills for financial independence—reducing their risk of early marriage and violence. Every Girl Can drives systemic and cultural change using World Vision’s project model Citizen Voice and Action (CVA). Girls develop advocacy and leadership skills to identify gaps in sexual and gender-based violence, health and education policies, holding service providers accountable. Through CVA, they champion their rights and push for safer, more equitable communities.

Ensuring environmental sustainability in rural communities

Environmental challenges disproportionately impact rural villages and at-risk individuals, including women, who depend on natural resources for economic opportunities and livelihoods.

The RESILIENT-WE project in Ethiopia integrates climate resilience, economic empowerment and gender equality to ensure communities actively participate in environmental adaptation strategies, livelihood diversification and disaster preparedness. The project helps to ensure sustainable development that benefits everyone in the targeted communities.

Why ambitious action for women and girls matters more than ever

Significant advancements in gender equality have occurred over the past three decades, and yet, challenges persist. Women and girls continue to face barriers to accessing education, healthcare, economic independence and representation in decision-making and leadership roles. Issues such as human trafficking, forced marriage and violence remain pressing concerns. Additionally, new and evolving global crises—including armed conflict, displacement and environmental crises—have intensified these gender disparities, further highlighting the need for urgent, sustained action. As we navigate an increasingly complex global landscape, the commitments made in Beijing remain more relevant and urgent than ever.

World Vision Canada’s work is steadfast in its commitment to breaking down barriers and creating a world where every woman and girl, together with their communities, can thrive. Achieving this requires strengthening legal frameworks, investing in women’s leadership and ensuring that global development efforts prioritize equal opportunities for everyone. When women are empowered to lead, they drive inclusive and lasting solutions that transform entire communities. But change does not happen in isolation—it demands sustained investment and coordinated action.

Gender equality is a shared responsibility. Communities must come together to challenge harmful social norms, eliminate discriminatory practices and champion equity at every level. Men and boys must stand as allies in challenging the abuse of power and supporting the rights of women and girls. Faith and community leaders have a powerful role to play, using their voices to promote justice, compassion and the dignity of every person. Together, we can create a future where every girl is free to live, learn and lead.

As we commemorate 30 years since the Beijing Declaration, it’s important to acknowledge that the journey toward gender equality continues. Progress requires ongoing dedication and effort. We must ensure that women’s rights are upheld and advanced, even in the face of challenges. This is a pivotal moment to come together and strive for a future where every woman and girl can live without discrimination, violence and inequality. Beijing+30 is not just a look back, but a call to action for today.