The Beijing Conference helped to put the goal of gender equality firmly on the agenda of all actors at the national as well as international levels. However, this requires greater understanding of the dynamics of gender relations, greater political will and commitment, and deliberate and innovative action on the part of all actors. In most countries of the world, the representation of women in decision-making structures remains low. Perceptions regarding male and female identities and roles posed persisting obstacles to the achievement of gender equality in all regions of the world. Innovative approaches were needed to transform these gender-based perceptions and to encourage men to participate actively in transforming patriarchal attitudes and institutional structures.
Parliaments are a key actor to achieve the Beijing commitments.
Government agreements could well remain a dead letter if parliaments were not closely informed and even associated in the decision-making process. Such information is decisive for productive institutional follow-up at the national level. Such consultation between these three institutional actors will be the first ever of its kind. We too believe so, but for that we will have to use all our endeavors to fulfill our commitments to gender parity and democracy. We believe that democracy ensures partnership between different groups who have too long remained on the margins of society.