Mexico City, Mexico
The first UN World Conference on Women held during the UN-declared International Women’s Year brought together individuals from 133 countries and thousands of activists. It’s been called the “greatest consciousness-raising event in history” and marked the first time the world’s women had ever gathered to advance their rights. The event would launch the UN Decade for Women. But it was only the beginning.
Copenhagen, Denmark
At the midpoint of the UN Decade for Women, the conference in Copenhagen exposed tensions between women activists, but advanced feminist research and strengthened networks. It was also the site of a significant human rights advances for women.
Nairobi, Kenya
The largest women’s conference up to that point to review the UN Decade for Women “brought the global women’s movement to Africa and African girls and women to the movement.” It is known as the “birthplace of global feminism.”
The road to Beijing
Across the early 1990s, feminists reshaped global debates and intergovernmental negotiations—securing victories related to women’s environmental leadership, violence against women, reproductive rights, and gender equality at major UN conferences in Rio de Janeiro, Vienna, and Cairo.
Beijing, China
Beijing was the last UN World Conference on Women. But feminist movements have persisted across the decades. Despite facing backlash they are led by new generations of fierce organizers.
New challenges—and milestones
Beijing was the last UN World Conference on Women. But feminist movements have persisted across the decades. Despite facing backlash they are led by new generations of fierce organizers.