In the past thirty years, the world has made significant strides towards achieving gender equality. The Beijing Declaration, adopted three decades ago, set a bold agenda for governments worldwide to accelerate progress in this crucial area. The Asia-Pacific region, home to over half of the world’s women and girls, has seen tangible gains in terms of women’s leadership, legal protections, and access to healthcare and education. However, recent trends indicate that these hard-won advancements are now at risk of unraveling.
Gender equality in the Asia-Pacific region is not just stalling—it is regressing. Reproductive rights are being rolled back, gender-based violence is on the rise, and women’s political representation is stagnating or even declining in some cases. Economic instability, conflict, and climate disasters are exacerbating existing inequalities, pushing women and girls into greater vulnerability.
Maternal mortality rates, once on a decline, have now stagnated. Access to contraception remains limited in many countries, with less than 30 percent of women having the means to make informed choices about their reproductive health. Shockingly, in the Pacific region, one in two women has experienced intimate partner violence.
The impact of climate change is further exacerbating inequalities, displacing families, and exposing women to exploitation and abuse. Women and children in the Asia-Pacific region are 14 times more likely to die in disasters compared to men.
In countries like Afghanistan, preventable pregnancy complications claim the lives of women at an alarming rate, making it one of the most dangerous places in the world to give birth. Additionally, the lack of access to contraception for sexually active unmarried youth leaves many vulnerable to unintended pregnancies, early marriage, and limited life choices.
The story of Maya, a 16-year-old girl in rural Nepal, reflects the harsh reality faced by millions of girls in the region. Poverty, discrimination, and harmful norms often rob them of opportunities, with many forced into early marriages and denied the chance to pursue their dreams.
As the population in the Asia-Pacific region ages rapidly, older women, many of whom spent their lives caring for others without financial security, face increased risks of poverty, neglect, and abuse. A gender-equal future must prioritize the dignity, security, and healthcare of women at every stage of life.
As we approach the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, the need for action to accelerate gender equality by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing is more pressing than ever. Governments in the region must demonstrate political will and allocate sustainable funding to drive real change and address deep-rooted inequalities.
Universal access to sexual and reproductive health services, enforcement of stronger laws to end gender-based violence, and promotion of women’s leadership in politics and decision-making are crucial steps towards achieving gender equality. The economic case for gender equality is compelling, with closing gender gaps in employment potentially boosting GDP by up to 20 percent globally.
Despite the overwhelming evidence of the benefits of gender equality, funding for women’s health and rights remains insufficient. With only five years left to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 5 on gender equality, urgent action is needed to get back on track and ensure that rights are not lost but gained.
History has shown us that empowering women not only transforms their lives but also sparks positive change in their communities and nations. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us recommit to the promise made three decades ago—for Maya, for the millions still denied their rights, and for future generations. The future we envision, where every woman and girl can live free from violence, make their own choices, and access opportunities, is within reach. It is up to us to push forward and ensure that we are on the right side of history.
The writer, UNFPA regional director for Asia and the Pacific, emphasizes the importance of collective action and unwavering commitment to achieving gender equality in the region.
