On Wednesday 21 October, the Charles Telfair Centre and the Curtin University Gender Research Network will host the launch of the report *Towards Gender Inclusive Futures in the Western Indian Ocean* at the Voilà Hotel in Moka. Building on the outcomes of the International Symposium on Action for Women’s Rights, Equality, and Empowerment, organised in partnership with Curtin University and the Curtin University Gender Research Network, this report provides an overview of progress towards gender equality in the region. It also sets out a strategic roadmap to guide decision-makers, employers, institutions and civil society organisations in the region towards adopting practical solutions to achieve the Beijing objectives.
In 1995, the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China, concluded with the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. More than thirty years after this historic event, what is the state of progress towards gender equality in the Western Indian Ocean? The report *Towards Gender-Inclusive Futures in the Western Indian Ocean* assesses this progress. It sets out a series of recommendations that align with four of the six priority areas of the Beijing +30 Platform for Action, developed by UN Women: The eradication of violence; A life free from poverty; Climate justice; and Full and equal decision-making power.
A common shortcoming runs through these four themes: progress towards gender equality is hampered by a gap between the policies adopted and their implementation. “Our region has seen considerable progress since 1995,” emphasises Myriam Blin, author and Head of the Charles Telfair Centre. “However, this progress has been uneven, with many obstacles still remaining, particularly regarding women’s full economic participation and their decision-making power.”
The report attributes this discrepancy largely to a lack of data. “To address this shortfall, it is important not only to collect data, but also to ensure that it is intersectional – that is, that it reflects the diverse and complex realities of women in the region,” asserts Associate Professor Samantha Owen, author, Associate Professor and Academic Co-Lead at the Curtin University Gender Research Network.
This is because many women face a combination of barriers. Age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, informal work and disability are all factors that influence gender equality. This interplay of vulnerabilities also highlights the need for multi-sectoral collaboration to ensure more structured and sustainable action.
“This report provides decision-makers in the Western Indian Ocean with data and recommendations to support their gender equality policies. It also illustrates what our partnership with the Charles Telfair Centre brings to the region: research rooted in local realities and geared towards action,” adds Professor Lina Pelliccione, Pro Vice-Chancellor and President, Curtin University.
