Speech by Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard celebrating 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action

Excellencies, Distinguished delegates, Members of Civil Society,

Today we celebrate a remarkable accomplishment; the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 1995. At that time, governments came together with a political commitment to achieve gender equality, development and peace. 

It was a watershed moment for gender equality. It showed that change was possible. World leaders agreed to progress on women’s rights – focused on concrete action. 

This 30th anniversary calls for both reflection and renewed resolve. 

Despite important gains, the pace of change remains unacceptably slow. In some places these gains are even being reversed. I am deeply concerned by this backsliding.  

We must not allow for a new normal where mothers enjoyed more freedoms than daughters. 

Gender inequality is harmful. At worst, it may even kill women and girls. Gender-based violence, and barriers to accessing health care including SRHR services, can have devastating consequences. 

Defending women’s and girls’ sexual and reproductive health and rights is vital. Every individual has the right to make informed decisions about their own body and the right to decide their own future. To be concrete, it means having access to contraception and safe and legal abortion, as well as receiving the care needed during pregnancy and childbirth.  

Empowering women and girls fuels economic growth, sparks innovation, and builds more prosperous and resilient societies. Sweden places women’s economic empowerment at the core of its development agenda. When women have equal access to education, paid work, finance, and resources, entire communities and economies rise.  

Sweden is committed to push for progress on gender equality together with other member states and civil society. Let me assure you, Sweden stands firm on gender equality, equal rights, and the empowerment of women and girls. 

I look around this room and I see potential; we can make a difference. We have a responsibility to voice the concerns of those not in this room. As governments we must engage with non-state actors. Civil society is our critical friend. 

Together, we can push back the pushback. And we will continue to push forward on women’s and girl’s rights.