Water Wheel January/February 2021

Abstract

Gender equality – Past, present and future We are once again in the throes of a familiar predicament. The year 2020 has, unfortunately, yielded even more reason for the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence against women and girls, compared to previous years. This is in spite of it being a milestone year for women empowerment. September 2020 marked the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. It was a landmark achievement. Adopted by 189 countries, it is regarded as the most comprehensive global framework for the rights of women and girls. For a one-year-old democratic South Africa, it heralded a beacon of hope for a non-sexist new South Africa, having just emerged from the apartheid era characterised by racial oppression and patriarchy. Globally, it promised a turning point in the quest for gender equality. Rollercoaster ride for gender equality But these past 25 years have been a rollercoaster ride with few highs and too many lows for gender equality worldwide.

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