Report of the regional consultation on advancement of rural women in the Beijing Plus 10 Era: policies and programmes

Abstract

This report provides a synthesis of the country papers and recommendations presented at the above expert consultation, held from 31 August to 3 September 2004 in Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic. Organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Government of Lao PDR, the consultation brought together gender experts from 11 Asian countries as well as development partners including Chulalongkorn University (Thailand), ILO, SEARSOLIN, UNESCAP and UNICEF. The meet ing came as the momentum gathered in the global development community to review the implementation of the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform of Action, signed by 189 governments, on the advancement of women. The report explores the achievements to date among participating countries and examines persisting impediments challenging women's progress in Asia, especially for women living in rural communities who have lagged behind. The recommendations identify policies, programmes and legislative measures to support the advancement of rural women in the region.