Download action towards the realization of the platform for action for

Implementing
the ICPD Plan of Action and
the Beijing Platform for Action for
Women’s Advancement
Ian Howie
Country Representative
UNFPA Viet Nam
11 January 2005
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Gender: the concepts
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Gender is not the same as sex
Gender is the socially and culturally
accepted relations, roles, and behaviors
assigned to the sexes
Gender influences access to opportunities
and life changes
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Gender equality
Equal share between women and men in
the distribution of power and influence
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Opportunities for financial independence
Equal access to education
Equal responsibility for home and children
Freedom from coercion, intimidation, and
gender-based violence
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Gender equality
Empowering women
 Decision-making and action for own
reproductive and sexual health.
 Full participation in economic and
social activities.
Positive effects for the whole family
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Beijing Platform for Action
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Protect and promote the human rights of
women and the girl child;
Eradicate the burden of poverty on
women;
Remove the obstacles to women’s full
participation in public life and decisionmaking;
Eliminate violence against women;
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Beijing Platform
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(continued)
Ensure equal access to education and
health services;
Promote economic autonomy for women
and ensure access to productive
resources; and
Encourage equitable sharing of family
responsibilities.
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Next steps in promoting
gender equality
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Gender equality at the grassroots level
Sensitive issues such as gender-based
violence
Collaboration, especially leadership,
commitment, and personal example
Gender mainstreaming
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