The Directorate of Gender Affairs is embarking on a nationwide consultative
process to compile its report on the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action
(BPfA). The Beijing Declaration, adopted at the Fourth World Conference on
Women in 1995, outlines twelve critical focus areas for achieving gender equality
and empowering women and girls. As signatories to the convention, every five
years Antigua & Barbuda is required to submit a report on Antigua and Barbuda's
achievements, challenges, and future strategies for progress in these areas.
The report will be a collaborative effort between governmental agencies, civil
society, and the private sector. Phase one involves a review of previous reports and
other literature relevant to the Beijing Platform. Phase two entails gathering data
about the nation’s progress towards gender equality over the past five years from
relevant stakeholders in sectors including, but not limited to, finance, education,
healthcare and social services. Phase three will be a consultative review and
validation exercise to ensure the report is as comprehensive and accurate as
possible.
Civil society organisations are invited to submit shadow reports of the nation’s
progress on the BPFA. Shadow reports allow non-government organisations
(NGOs) to supplement and/or present additional information about the national
context, challenges, and successes towards implementing the commitments of the
BPfA.
Executive Director of the Directorate of Gender Affairs, Jamie Saunders, describes
the upcoming submission as a reaffirmation of the nation's commitment to
upholding the principles of gender equality, human rights, and social justice, as
enshrined in its national development agenda and international obligations.
“Antigua and Barbuda is proud to have been one of the nations who attended the
Fourth International Conference on Women in 1995 when the Declaration was
signed and it continues to be an honour to show our enduring commitment to the
principles of the Platform for Action nearly three decades later.”
This year's report on the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action is scheduled
for submission by June 1, 2024.
