Generation Equality Forum in Paris - Voices from Asia-Pacific

The 2021 Generation Equality Forum was a major global inflection point for gender equality. This landmark effort brought together governments, corporations and change makers from around the world to define and announce ambitious investments and policies. These diverse stakeholders have embarked on a 5-year journey to accelerate equality, leadership and opportunity for women and girls worldwide. This work will culminate in 2026.

The Generation Equality Forum also fueled a powerful and lasting coalition for gender equality. It presented a vital moment for activists, feminists, youth and allies to achieve transformative change for generations to come.

The Forum took place at a critical moment. COVID-19 has exacerbated existing gender inequities, with reports of rising violence against women, as well as higher adverse economic impacts caused both by increased unpaid care-giving and the fact that women work in more insecure, low-paid and informal jobs. Women of color, indigenous women and youth face compounded risks and barriers. We are living through a gender equality crisis, and the outcomes of the Generation Equality Forum offer a critical opportunity to confront it.

The Forum’s 5-year action journey is built around a Global Acceleration Plan - a global road map for gender equality that aims to fulfil the promise of the Beijing Platform for Action and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. It involves every sector of society – governments, civil society, private sector, entrepreneurs, trade unions, artists, academia and social influencers – to drive urgent action and accountability.

The Forum in Paris took place between 30 June - 2 July 2021. Below are some voices from the Asia-Pacific region captured during the Paris Forum.