Is patriarchy petrifying governments to deliver on gender equality ?

Shobha Shukla *

Despite a legally binding treaty and several other declarations, agreements and promises on gender equality and human rights in the past 50 years, governments have failed to keep the promise. Gender inequality is not caused by natural calamities but by deep-seated patriarchy, which has sinister links with capitalism, privatisation, religious fundamentalism and militarisation.

It is not by chance, but by patriarchal purpose and design, that trade treaties are binding and declarations like Beijing Declaration are non-binding. May be that is what petrifies our governments to deliver on gender equality so as not to disturb the patriarchy-fuelled so-called ‘world order’ that serves the interest of the rich, mighty and powerful – and no prize for guessing if they are all men.

Accountability missing

Women’s rights are fundamental human rights and a bedrock to advance progress on all other UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The year 2025 marks 10 years since SDGs were adopted by all governments and 30 years since Beijing Declaration was adopted in 1995.

It is shocking that not only have the governments not delivered on all promises enshrined in the Beijing Declaration, but they are also failing to deliver on all SDGs too.

Revolting against patriarchy is an insanely steep climb. But feminist people of all genders have historically demonstrated courage to build and strengthen a transformative movement to advance gender justice. That is why within months after formation of the United Nations (UN) for global peace in 1945, the wheels began churning to push for gender equality and human rights.

Governments and other stakeholders are meeting at the 69th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) this month to review the progress (or lack of) made on Beijing Declaration 1995 and its Platform for Action.

“Beijing Declaration is a United Nations (UN) resolution that outlines a plan to achieve gender equality and women's rights. It was adopted in 1995 at the UN's Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing. This conference was attended by 189 countries worldwide and a parallel people’s conference also took place in which over 30,000 feminists from around the world took part.

Beijing Declaration was accepted by all 189 countries present in this UN meet in 1995. Being ratified by 189 countries globally made it a very important promise to behold and advance gender equality and women’s rights. It was pivotal in our feminist advocacy,” said Anjali Shenoi, a noted intersectional feminist who serves at the Asian-Pacific Resource and Research Centre for Women (ARROW).

She was speaking at a SHE & Rights session (Sexual Health with Equity & Rights session) co-hosted by Asian-Pacific Resource and Research Centre for Women (ARROW), Asia Pacific Media Alliance for Health and Development (APCAT Media), Centre for Global Health Diplomacy and Inclusion (CeHDI), International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Rights (WGNRR) and CNS.

“It is important to remember that conclusions adopted by CSWs are non-binding. While these conclusions influence national and international policies, civil society often struggles to hold governments accountable for their commitments. When it comes to the Beijing Declaration 1995 and its Platform for Action, we are living in an age of poly-crises in an anti-rights and anti-gender world.

Regressive trends in neoliberal globalisation are compounded by colonial legacies and neocolonialism. There is a rise of authoritarianism, securitisation, militarism and conflict. It has also unleashed debilitating debt crisis in the region with intolerable austerity measures, rising inequality and increasing poverty, exacerbating the impact of COVID-19 and the various climate crises that we are facing.

There is a growing number of anti-gender and anti-rights arguments and interventions from both governments and non-state actors, which is exacerbated by the Trump administration and its ‘Global Gag Rule.’ It gives rise to further concerns of corporate capture undermining feminist priorities,” added Shenoi.

Agrees Kavutha Mutua, lawyer, High Court, and Founder-Director of The Legal Caravan, Kenya: “We need stronger accountability to hold governments to account on the promises of gender equality and human rights.

We have seen the issue of contradicting foreign policies- for example the regressive ‘Geneva Consensus Declaration’ which limits access to safe abortion services as well as other sexual and reproductive health services.

Or the ‘Global Gag Rule’. Countries like Kenya have very progressive laws on gender equality and part of Maputo Protocol too, but it is also part of the regressive Geneva Consensus Declaration and other polices that contradict what has already been passed in our domestic law.”

Birth of a boy celebrated with 7 ululations, while a girl gets 3

“In many parts of my country Ethiopia, the birth of a boy is celebrated with seven ululations, while a girl receives only three. This seemingly small difference signals the start of a lifelong gender bias, favouring men over women. Societal norms assign greater value to boys, shaping their opportunities in education, economic participation, and leadership, while reinforcing barriers for girls.

These biases accumulate over time, limiting women's potential and perpetuating gender inequality across generations. Despite being vital to national development, women in Africa continue to face widespread discrimination and violence solely due to their gender.

Gender equality is not just a human right and a matter of social justice, it is also a crucial foundation for sustainable development, peace, and progress,” said Siyane Aniley, an expert in gender equality and social inclusion, SRHR, and education; who contributes to strengthening quality SRH services and promoting gender equality at Centre for International Reproductive Health Training (CIRHT), Ethiopia.

Ageing with rights and human dignity

We need to ensure that older women (and all gender diverse peoples) are not left behind in policies, programmes and actions that are addressing gender inequalities and social injustices. Gender equality and SDGs are for all people of all genders and of all ages.

“There are 1.4 billion older people today and the number is rising and estimated to double by 2050. Also, the number of older women is more than older men. Lack of education, limited access to healthcare services with equity and rights, and not recognising the economic contribution of older people as they are the ‘hidden workforce’, are some of the challenges that further compound the problem and increase their vulnerability to violence, abuse and exploitation. A lot of older people, including older women, are very skilled, knowledgeable, and critical part of our workforce (although often ‘invisible’),” said Sanju Thapa Magar, CEO of Ageing Nepal.

Policies must ensure equitable access to benefits for senior citizens, especially women of all ages, address gender-specific healthcare needs, and bolster social support systems to alleviate caregiving burdens. “Maintaining good health is crucial for older people to remain independent and actively participate in family and community life. Public health initiatives can leverage the capacities and abilities of older people,” added Magar.

Addressing ageism is important to protect the rights and dignity of older women, as it requires a fundamental shift in societal attitudes, feelings and behaviours towards ageing and older persons. Age-friendly environments empower older individuals to lead dignified lives by addressing social determinants of health and promoting supportive communities that enhance their well-being.

Integrated care guarantees that health services effectively address the diverse needs of older people, fostering a comprehensive person-centred approach that encompasses physical, mental and social well-being. Long-term care is vital for individuals who require assistance from others for everyday life, as it ensures they receive the necessary support to sustain their quality of life with dignity.

A feminist order based on solidarity, caring, rights, equity and justice can make this world a just place for everyone except for a handful of those who are rich capitalists and thrive on keeping profit before people. It is high time we dismantle patriarchy and ensure that gender equality and human rights are a reality on the ground, for everyone and everywhere.