Three decades after the historic Beijing Conference, the world is reflecting on its impact on gender equality. The landmark event, held in 1995, was a turning point for women’s rights, laying the foundation for global commitments to gender equity. It produced the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a framework that inspired policies aimed at empowering women, reducing gender disparities, and advancing women’s leadership in all sectors.
For Nigerian women, the Beijing Conference ignited hope for a new era of political and economic empowerment. The late First Lady, Maryam Babangida, had already set the stage with the creation of the Women’s Commission, and her successor, Maryam Abacha, led Nigeria’s delegation to Beijing. On their return, momentum surged—women’s ministries were established in all states, and women’s advocacy groups flourished.
But 30 years later, have these promises been fulfilled? Many Nigerian women believe the progress has been painfully slow. Beatrice Obiageli Ubeku, Chairperson of the West African Women Association, expressed frustration, saying, “The affirmative action we brought from Beijing has not worked for us. Women in leadership positions remain scarce, and those who do make it are often sidelined.”
Dame Marie Fatayi-Williams, President of the Cosmopolitan Women Club of Lagos, echoes similar concerns. While acknowledging Beijing as a milestone, she questions whether the foundational changes promised have been truly institutionalized. She highlights Nigeria’s lack of women in high-ranking government positions and the struggle for 35% affirmative action in political representation.
Felicia Agubata, Vice President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, underscores a broader issue: “Words matter, but deeds create change. 30 years later, gender equality is still a work in progress.”
Meanwhile, Ejiro Otive-Igbuzor, a gender equality expert, points out that 13 Nigerian states currently have no female representatives in their parliaments. “Women are more than qualified for leadership, yet systemic barriers remain. If Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala had contested for governor in her home state, would she have won? The odds are still stacked against women,” she argues.
While some progress has been made globally—several African countries now have female presidents—Nigeria’s representation of women in leadership is declining. The 10th National Assembly has only four female senators, a sharp drop from previous years.
As the world commemorates 30 years of Beijing, one thing is clear: the struggle for gender equality is far from over. Women are demanding not just promises, but actionable reforms that will ensure equal representation, economic empowerment, and an end to gender-based discrimination. The question remains—will Nigeria and the world rise to the challenge, or will another generation of women be left asking the same questions in another 30 years?
