Horizons magazine is published by Presbyterian Women (PW) the national women’s organization of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
Issue link: http://horizons.epubxp.com/i/521232
Women and coordinated five regional preparatory meetings (and a n umber of NGO gatherings) in o rder to draft a Platform for Action. Beijing Platform The resulting documents of the con- ference became known as The Bei- jing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA). The 189 countries that were present unanimously adopted the documents, which offer an agenda for women's empower- ment. The BPfA "is the strongest statement of consensus on women's equality, empowerment and justice ever produced by governments." 5 The BPfA outlined 12 critical areas of concern: • Women and poverty • Education and training of women • Women and health • Violence against women • Women and armed conflict • Women and the economy • Women in power and decision-making • Institutional mechanism for the advancement of women • Human rights of women • Women and the media • Women and the environment • The girl-child For each of these areas of concern, the BPfA used data and insights shared during the research phase and the Commission's 50-year history to show the multidimensional nature of discrimination that women face. But the document also outlined specific objectives that would help bring about justice for women. Each objec- tive includes a number of action steps for governments, NGOs, women's groups and others. Where Are We? This year's CSW examined progress in achieving the objectives for equality in the BPfA. On March 9, CSW adopted a political declaration that spoke to its findings. It said CSW par- ticipants "express concern that progress has been slow and uneven, and that major gaps remain, and obstacles, including, inter alia, structural barriers, per- sist in the implementa- tion of the 12 critical areas of concern of the Platform for Action, and recognize that 20 years after the Fourth World Con- ference on Women, no country has fully achieved equality and empowerment for women and girls, that significant levels of inequality b etween women and men, girls and b oys persist globally, and that many women and girls experience multiple and intersecting forms of discrimina- tion, vulnerability and marginalization throughout their life cycle." The state- ment also acknowledged that new challenges have surfaced, but that CSW would continue to work for equality for women. In the important work of carrying forward the BPfA, it is crucial to recall that this platform for action (as with all declarations) is not legally binding. In contrast, the Convention on the Elimination of all Form of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) is legally binding for those countries that have ratified it. CEDAW is a powerful, practical tool for bringing to fruition BPfA's 12 critical areas of concern. Because the United States has not ratified CEDAW, a national campaign called "Cities for CEDAW" was launched at CSW in 2014. This movement invites cities around the country to pass local ordinances to implement the principles of this UN treaty for girls' and women's human rights. Louisville, Kentucky, has been officially designated a City for CEDAW. The Louisville Coalition for CEDAW was founded in April 2014 and by November 2014, the Louisville Metro Council passed the Louisville Resolution for CEDAW. Shortly thereafter, it was signed by Mayor Greg Fischer. Diverse women and men in Louisville are coming together in solidarity, sharing their passion for gender equality and women's empowerment. The solidar- ity among local human rights experts, attorneys, elected officials, religious leaders, social workers, scholars, girls' and women's advocates, educators 28 Please consider designating 40% of this year's Pentecost ofering to support Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services. Your support will make a big diference in the lives of at-risk children. Each year, Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services helps more than 4,200 children and families. Lend your support today. SM Your church can make a big diference in a child's life. Central Office 4407 Bee Cave Road, Suite 520, Austin, Texas 78746 800.888.1904 | www.texas.pchas.org To donate online, visit: texas.pchas.org/donate