Case Studies: The Impact of Beijing

Malawi

With credit to the Women’s Legal Resources Centre, the Girls Empowerment Network, and Human Rights for Women and Girls with Disabilities

While some of Malawi's efforts on tackling VAWG were ongoing before the Beijing Conference, What Works II’s Grantee Partners assess the PfA as having played an important role in shaping Malawian national policies and encouraging a more structured response. The Beijing Conference led to a strengthening of Malawi’s women’s movements, including through the establishment of organic women’s rights organisations and increased coordination among NGOs working on gender, led by the NGO Gender Coordination Network in 1998.

In the years following, Malawi introduced a National Gender Policy which aligned with the PfA's priorities and specifically addressed VAWG, and in 2006 Malawi passed the Domestic Violence Act (Chapter 7, Laws of Malawi, 2006).  The Act was a direct response to the PfA’s call for countries to strengthen their legal frameworks to protect women and girls from violence, particularly intimate partner violence. Additionally, the Government also initiated a now-expired National Plan of Action (NPA) to Combat GBV (with processes underway for the development of a new NPA).

“The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action has been used as a tool by women’s rights organisations to demand accountability from the Government of Malawi with regard to prevention of VAWG” Pamodzi Kuthetsa Nkhanza Consortium

Despite these significant legislative and policy efforts, Malawi has faced challenges in fully implementing the ambitious goals set by the PfA and VAWG in Malawi continues to worsen. What Works II’s Grantee Partner in Malawi, the Pamodzi Kuthetsa Nkhanza Consortium (PKN), comprises of three women’s rights organisations (the Women’s Legal Resources Centre, the Girls Empowerment Network, and Human Rights for Women and Girls with Disabilities) working closely with the Malawian Government to prevent intimate partner violence. PKN do this by addressing underlying harmful social norms that normalise violence against women and girls. PKN is also working towards influencing the Malawian Government through review of the next National Action Plan to Combat GBV, ensuring VAWG prevention is prioritised at the policy level and is implemented effectively, including through meaningful resource allocation.

Uganda

With credit to the Center for Domestic Violence Prevention (CEDOVIP), Namakula Sylvia, and Andrew Kibuuka Miti

After the adoption of the Platform for Action (PfA), the Ugandan Government took various measures to align its national policies with global agendas, particularly in areas concerning violence against women and girls (VAWG). Uganda introduced a National Gender Policy, recognising VAWG as a significant issue and one of the primary obstacles to achieving gender equality. This policy emphasized the importance of strengthening legal frameworks and paved the way for legislation like the Domestic Violence Act (2010) and the National Policy on the Elimination of Gender-Based Violence (2016). Uganda continues to regularly report on its commitments under the Declaration and PfA.

However, CEDOVIP, What Works II’s Grantee Partner in Uganda, notes that these policies and legal frameworks are inconsistently implemented due to limited funding, human resources, and capacity gaps in gender and equity programming. Deeply entrenched social norms and practices rooted in patriarchy also undermine the status and position of women and girls, and there is an acceptance of violence as a means of resolving conflicts in intimate relationships.

Furthermore, the impacts of climate change in Uganda, such as displacement, resource scarcity, food insecurity, and the disruption of services following natural disasters or emergencies, predominantly affect women and increase the risk of VAWG. In collaboration with the Ministry of Water and Environment, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, CEDOVIP is seeking to integrate VAWG prevention and response into climate change mitigation efforts. By aligning these efforts with wetland restoration programs in Pallisa district, they aim to reduce intimate partner violence and enhance community resilience to the impacts of climate change.

India

With credit to Mahila Sarvangeen Utkarsh Mandal (MASUM)

Since 1995 India has made notable progress in recognizing and addressing (VAWG), driven by decades of advocacy from the women’s movement, civil society, and legal reforms. The Declaration and PfA acted as a significant catalyst to these efforts, providing a global framework that reinforced and gave direction to national action to address VAWG. For example, the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (2005) was introduced as a response to the PfA’s call to combat all forms of violence against women. The Act made it legally possible for women to seek protection against domestic violence, a significant step in India’s legal framework.

"The Beijing Declaration created an opportunity for women's rights organisations to use international human rights instruments, including CEDAW, to work with and put pressure on their government to eliminate gender-based discrimination and enhance women's rights in their countries, including prevention of violence against women and girls (VAWG)."  MASUM

Despite these legal advancements, VAWG remains deeply entrenched, with gaps in awareness, training, and resources. One-third of Indian women continue to experience violence National Family Health Survey fifth round (NFHS-5[CC5] ), with marginalised women, particularly those in informal occupations, facing significant barriers in accessing healthcare and legal aid due to discrimination, lack of recognition, and police apathy. Analysis conducted by What Works II’s Grantee Partner in India, Mahila Sarvangeen Utkarsh Mandal (MASUM), finds that domestic violence survivors are similarly hindered from seeking medical help, as they fear the consequences of reporting their injuries, particularly in cases where police involvement would lead to the arrest of a partner. These systemic barriers across healthcare and legal systems highlight the urgent need for further reforms to ensure access to services that are equitable, sensitive, and inclusive for all survivors of violence, particularly those from marginalised communities.

MASUM’s analysis reveals the need for a stronger intersectoral coordination, adequate public budgets, and information systems, with progress on VAWG prevention hinging on a multi-level, intersectional approach that engages various stakeholders, including the government, civil society, legal institutions, and the community. MASUM asses that implementing policies that prioritise women’s empowerment, gender equality, and the elimination of patriarchal structures in India will be critical to preventing and reducing VAWG in the long term. MASUM’s What Works II intervention hopes to contribute to this long-term change by supporting stronger intersectoral coordination in the state of Maharashtra, training public health care providers in four rural areas of Aurangabad district, integrating both prevention communication and first line support into primary and secondary level health care services to women.

Somalia

With credit to Comitato Internazionale per lo Sviluppo dei Popoli (CISP)

In 2014, the Somali Ministry of Women and Human Rights convened a review meeting to discuss Somalia's progress and challenges in implementing the Beijing PfA. The Government cited the introduction of various legislations and policies in its reports as part of their efforts to implement the Declaration and PfA. This included drafting key bills on VAWG such as the Sexual Offences Bill (2018) and creating a National Action Plan on Gender Based Violence. The Federal Government of Somalia also established the Ministry of Women and Human Rights Development to coordinate efforts to advance women's rights and gender equality.

However, in 2024 Somalia’s Gender Inequality Index is 0.776 (UNDP, 2012), placing Somalia at the fourth highest position globally. The status of Somali women and girls remains constrained by deep-rooted patriarchal norms, the impacts of conflict, and persistent discrimination. In the context of Somalia's legal and policy landscape regarding violence against women and children (VAWC), What Works II’s Grantee Partner, Comitato Internazionale per lo Sviluppo dei Popoli (CISP), identified several legal loopholes. These include a lack of a comprehensive VAWC law, weak enforcement and accountability, discriminatory customary and religious laws, and minimal protection of vulnerable groups that sustain harmful social norms that justify VAWC.

In partnership with key Ministries in Somalia to change this, CISP, the Northern Frontier Youth League (NOFYL), and the Women Initiative for Social Empowerment (WISE), are working to reduce violence against women, boys, and girls through creating empowered communities and safer environments within and around schools. 

"By promoting gender equality through community-led dialogues in communities and schools, CISP’s intervention upholds the Beijing Declaration’s commitment to equal access to education and ending gender discrimination, challenging harmful norms and fostering safety for women and girls." CISP

Madagascar

With credit to Projet Jeune Leader (PJL)

A number of Malagasy laws, reforms and polices introduced following 1995 can be said to have been strongly influenced by the Declaration and PfA. For example, Madagascar’s National Strategy to Combat Violence Against Women (2011) and the National Policy on the Elimination of Gender-Based Violence (2014) both explicitly reference the Declaration. Law No. 2019-008 or “the Law on the Criminalisation of Gender-Based Violence (GBV)”, while not directly referencing the PfA, is perhaps one of the most significant legal shifts in the Madagascar’s efforts to prevent and respond to VAWG. What Works II’s Grantee Partner in Madagascar, Projet Jeune Leader (PJL), view the law as a significant victory for the rights of women and child survivors, and a positive step towards breaking the silence surrounding VAWG.

However, despite the existence of progressive legal frameworks, PJL assess awareness of laws as low, and violence response services are severely strained. Furthermore, PJL’s research reveals that many people are unaware of the country’s national reporting hotline or are unable to use it (less than half (45%) of people in rural areas have a phone or radio, and only 7% have access to internet). 

“Comprehensive life skills education, integrated in the school system, concretely aligns with the Government’s commitment under the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action to implement policies and programs that prevent and respond to VAWG.” Projet Jeune Leader

Given the prevalence of violence in Madagascar, evidence-based programs to address its root causes are urgently needed, especially those at scale. In partnership with Madagascar’s Ministry of Education, PJL is doing exactly that through curriculum-based life skills education led by specialised educators. This school-based program will equip boys and girls with the essential knowledge, skills, and support to form healthy, non-violent relationships throughout their lives.

Eswatini  

With credit to Women Unlimited Eswatini and Bantwana Initiative Eswatini  

“The Beijing Declaration engendered a national dialogue on gender-based violence and women’s empowerment in Eswatini, elevating issues once sidelined, and emboldening women and girls to claim their rights and demand accountability.” Women Unlimited Eswatini

In the years following the Declaration, the Government of Eswatini took some steps to address gender equality. However, it wasn’t until twenty years later that VAWG was brought to the forefront in legal discussions (despite being recognised as a critical issue in the Protection from Abuse Order[CC6]  in 2012). In 2018 the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act was passed, a landmark piece of legislation that criminalised domestic violence for the first time. Since the passing of the Act, the Government has initiated several other efforts to prevent and respond to VAWG, including a National Strategy and Action Plan to End Violence (2023-2028), which boldly sets out to reduce violence by 50%. 

However, Eswatini’s legal system is characterised by a dual framework that incorporates both statutory and customary laws. While statutory laws, such as the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act, provide welcome protections for women, customary laws often reinforce patriarchal norms and discrimination. Furthermore, What Works II’s Grantee Partners in Eswatini assess that implementation of statutory laws is hindered by inadequate resources and a lack of capacity among law enforcement and service providers. As a result, many women and girls in Eswatini do not receive the protection and justice they are entitled to under the law. This violence has significant implications for education equity in higher education, with female students who experience sexual and gender-based violence 15% more likely to leave their studies before their fourth year.

What Works II’s Grantee Partners in Eswatini (Women Unlimited and Bantwana Initiative) are collaborating with the University of Eswatini to implement a Campus Sexual Harassment Prevention Intervention, which aims to address sexual harassment and violence within Eswatini’s Higher Education Institutions. Their intervention will foster engagement and agency among students, and advocacy to challenge the socio-cultural norms that enable sexual harassment and violence, strengthen institutional commitment to prevention and response, and create safer, more inclusive campuses where sexual harassment is not tolerated.