You are cordially invited on Tuesday, March 3, to attend an event to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the momentous Declaration of Women’s Rights that emerged from the Fourth World Conference on Women, held in Beijing, China in 1995. The anniversary is known as Beijing+20. This event will take place in the Center for the Atrs (Building 1P) Recital Hall from 2:30pm to 4:00pm.
In September 1995, more than 40,000 participants and activists from all around the world came to Beijing, China for the Fourth World Conference on Women. They engaged in two weeks of negotiations, debates, and civil society action and produced what is still considered one of the most advanced plans to promote women’s rights. The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which was adopted by 189 nation-states, includes 12 specific critical areas including women and poverty, education and training for women, women in armed conflict, leadership, and violence against women. Twenty years later, UN Women, along with governments and many civil society organizations, still work hard to deliver the twin promises of equality and empowerment, and this is a review year.
We are delighted that Janice Peterson, Chair of the Coordinating Council for the Huairou Commission, will deliver a keynote lecture for the event. Peterson has many years of experience in community development, specifically focusing on women’s groups. In her 30+ years of professional commitment to grassroots work, she has been involved in many projects, locally (Brooklyn), nationally (including Carter administration, National Institute for Women and Community Development), and globally (GROOTS International and Huairou). Peterson also taught at Adelphi University, Pratt Institute, LaGuardia Community College, and the New School. You can find her complete bio and more information on the Huairou Commissiononline. http://huairou.org/coordinating-council
The event coincides with Women’s History Month, and is co-sponsored by the Department of Political Science and Global Affairs; the International Studies Program; the Bertha Harris Women’s Center; Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program; and Student Government.
We look forward to seeing you there. A reception will follow the event, which is CLUE certified. For further information, please contact the Political Science and Global Affairs Department.
