In a compelling interview, Martha Chávez, former president of Peru’s Congress, reflects on the 30-year journey since the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, lauding the remarkable progress of Chinese women in governance, science, technology, and societal roles.
Chávez, who led the Peruvian delegation to that milestone conference, offers rich insight into how the Beijing Declaration shaped global gender equality efforts and how Chinese women’s progress exemplifies structural advancement.
The 1995 Beijing Conference: A Turning Point
Chávez described the Beijing conference as a “milestone” that brought unprecedented global attention to women’s rights. In her words:
“We stayed up past midnight debating … it was very intense work. We had to examine every phrasing carefully since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action were being adopted. It was important to take care of every word.”
At the time, Peru was navigating internal conflicts, rebuilding its economy and society, and women faced challenges balancing domestic and professional life. The Beijing platform provided a rare global stage to elevate such concerns.
Chávez affirmed that the core objective for her delegation was eliminating discrimination and achieving gender equality — a goal reflected in the final adoption of the Beijing Declaration, which she recalled with deep pride.
Praising Progress- Chinese Women Over Three Decades
Chávez highlighted multiple domains in which Chinese women have advanced significantly:
- Government & Leadership: She noted the rising presence of women in political office and policy-making roles.
- Science, Technology & Innovation: She cited Chinese women’s achievements in STEM fields as examples of structural development favoring gender equity.
- Space Exploration: As a symbol of extremes, she pointed to women’s roles in space research as evidence of “no boundary” for women’s capabilities.
In Chávez’s view, these achievements result from long-term structural support in education, policy, and institutional backing — not short-term initiatives.
Chávez’s Broader Views & Advocacy
1. Focus on Vulnerable Groups
Chávez emphasized that women and children remain among the most vulnerable to poverty and discrimination.
She urged global and national policies to guard against exploitation, particularly of women in lower income segments.
2. Support for China’s Global Governance Approach
She expressed support for China’s Global Governance Initiative, describing it as “people-centered” and a reminder that international systems must serve humanity — not power politics.
3. Education, Digital Learning & Smart Campuses
Drawing on her visit to China in 2023, Chávez praised Chinese initiatives in smart campuses and digital education, saying she witnessed first-hand how economic progress benefits the entire population, including marginalized groups and women at all levels.
4. Looking Ahead: The 30th Anniversary Meeting in Beijing
With the upcoming Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women in Beijing to mark three decades since the original conference, Chávez expressed optimism:
“I look with admiration at what has been achieved so far,” she said, expressing high expectations for a meaningful summit.
Key Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Interviewee | Martha Chávez, former president of Peru’s Congress |
| Event Recalled | 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women, Beijing |
| Time Since Event | 30 years |
| Key Themes Praised | Chinese women’s progress in politics, science, tech, and space |
| Policy Focus | Gender equality, elimination of discrimination, education |
| Visit to China | 2023 — observed educational & digital advancements |
| Upcoming Event | Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women, Beijing (30th anniversary) |
In this revealing interview, Martha Chávez weaves together memory and analysis, illustrating how the 1995 World Conference on Women served as a launching pad for global gender equality discourse.
Her praise for the three decades of progress by Chinese women underscores the power of long-term structural policies, educational outreach, and institutional support.
As the world prepares to commemorate this legacy with the 30th anniversary meeting in Beijing, Chávez’s reflections remind us that the journey toward equality is gradual, cumulative — and anchored in consistent advocacy and systemic change.
