Womens rights then and now: We should bring back hope.

UN Women
25 Feb 2025, 00:42 GMT+10

Flutura Xhabija, at 76, pictured with photo prints of her participation in Beijing in 1995. Photo: UN Women/Yllka Parllaku

The Beijing Conference in 1995: A historic moment for women's rights

“Five years after Albania’s transition to democracy, we had limited information, few civil society organizations, and even less experience, but our determination was immense. The United Nations in Tirana engaged the few women-led organizations at the time to attend the Fourth World Conference on Women,” recalls Xhabija. She was excited, and proud, as she was following her mother’s footsteps in activism.

“We joined the train to Beijing, China—the train of peace, the train of women in Warsaw,” she narrates. “We were 200 representatives from around the world, travelling together with one shared mission. The train carriages were more than just a means of transport—they were also meeting spaces where we discussed strategies for gender equality.”

“What stood out for me during the Beijing conference was the immense freedom of expression that people enjoyed.”

A pamphlet detail showing the route of the “Beijing Express” which carried 200 representatives from around the world from Warsaw Poland to Beijing China. The train carriages were more than just a means of transport—they were also meeting spaces where activists discussed strategies for gender equality. Photos Courtesy of Flutura Xhabija

From 1995 to 2025: What changed for gender equality and challenges that remain

“The impact was undeniable in Albania,” says Xhabija when asked about how the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action impacted women’s lives in Albania. “Beijing [Platform for Action] was a new element for Europe—it had a significant impact [regionally]. The primary goal was to communicate that we were not alone, to emphasize the importance of working independently in our own country, while also fostering international cooperation. The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action played a significant role in this journey.”

Speaking of progress since 1995, Xhabija says women are more aware of their rights and inspiring others as mentors. “One area where I’ve seen the most progress is in women’s entrepreneurship. We have actively participated in discussions at chambers of commerce under the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Finance, advocating for the role of women in business.”

“However, we still need stronger policies to support women in balancing work and family life,” she adds. “Childcare services must be expanded so that women don’t have to choose between career and motherhood.”

—Flutura Xhabija (at right) photographed in Beijing, 1995

What’s next for gender equality and women’s rights in Albania and the world

“Gender equality cannot be achieved through words alone,” urges Xhabija. “We have spent too much time on reports, publications, and speeches. Rather than just engaging politicians, we need to work directly with people, especially marginalized communities in both urban and rural areas, who are often forgotten.”

“Our approach must be active, face-to-face, and practical. We must commit to supporting these women through projects, funding, and focused training initiatives. And everyone must be included, without exception, from the youngest to the oldest—everyone has a role to play. We should bring back hope to people.”

Xhabija outlines some priorities for her country and community: “It is urgent that we invest in education in Albania. Invest in women’s businesses and ensure affordable childcare. Invest in sports and art, so that people can be entertained and find joy.”

Advice for young feminists today

“Understand the soul of the people,” says Xhabija. “Today, great minds have come together—people who understand that women’s talents, potential, energy and knowledge remain unused.” Xhabija sees this as the moment to march forward, and refuse to take any step back.