Carol Bellamy: Progress Won, Battles Unfinished
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From “GWL Voices at Beijing 1995: Stories of Leadership, Legacy, and Change” read the full interview with Ms. Carol Bellamy thirty years after the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, 1995. Ms. Bellamy is a GWL Voices member, nonprofit executive and former politician. During the Fourth World Conference on Women she was serving as Executive Director of UNICEF, from 1995 to 2005.
Looking back at your speech in Beijing 1995, you emphasized girls’ education as a lifeline and a human right. Nearly 30 years later, how do you assess the progress made—and where do you think we’ve fallen short, especially in relation to the structural barriers you identified then?
Over the past 30 years there have been substantial advances in girls’ education. However, despite the progress, significant challenges remain.
Ms. Bellamy does a thorough analysis:
Advances:
- Increase Enrollment:
- Primary Education: By 2020 nearly all regions achieved gender parity in primary education enrollment. In 1995, many countries, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia had significant gender gaps.
- Secondary Education: Girls’ enrollment in secondary school increased dramatically in some regions like Latin America and the Caribbean.
- Tertiary Education: Globally women now make up more than 50% of university students.
2. Global Initiatives and Policy Changes
a. The Beijing Declaration b. MDGs and SDGs c. Government Policies: Elimination of school fees; cash transfers; more schools in rural areas.
3. Reduced Early Marriage
a. Early marriage rate declines particularly in South Asia and some parts of Africa b. More girls staying longer in school has reduced risk of early childbirth
4. Improved Access to Sanitation and Menstrual Health Support
a. Separate latrines at schools and menstrual hygiene education
Remaining Challenges
1. Access Inequalities a. Wars: Girls are 2.5 times more likely to be out of school in conflict countries b. Rural and Marginalized Groups: Ethnic minorities; low-income households and remote areas remain barriers c. Disabilities: Girls with disabilities least likely to attend
2. Quality of Education a. Enrollment does not guarantee learning. b. Literacy and numeracy should be the basic foundation but not the goal
3. Violence a. Sexual harassment, gender-based violence; corporal punishment widespread and underreported
4. Early Marriage and Pregnancy a. While rates have declined, marriage and pregnancy still keep many girls out of school especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.
5. Digital Divide a. Girls are more likely than boys to be excluded from digital learning.
6. Cultural and Social Norms a. Persistent beliefs about gender roles still discourage investment in girls’ education