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Commonwealth Country Reports for the Beijing + 10 Review of 2005

In 2003, as part of its contribution to the Beijing +10 process, the Commonwealth Secretariat commenced compiling the collective experiences and progress of member countries in advancing women's equality within the framework of the Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA).

Gender Equality A Decade of Commonwealth Action: A Reference Book for Gender Ministers (2005)

National Women's Machineries (NWMs) were requested in a questionnaire to rank their priorities for national action from among the BPfA areas of critical concern and describe progress, constraints and plans in the top four or five areas. They were also asked to identify issues they believed would be of concern to them and to their regions in the next few years.

Analysis of the survey shows broad progress in the advancement of women across the Commonwealth, although the extent and depth of change varies considerably. Generally, countries have ensured the establishment of National Women's Machineries although these vary in size, influence because of their location in the government structure, and funding. Most have gender equality policies. Gender mainstreaming is either part or planned to be part of policy. 

Education of females is seen as critical for advancing gender equality with all countries emphasising education of girls at least at primary school level - enrolment at secondary and higher levels is variable and appears to be dependent on a number of factors, including public expenditure on education, affirmative action policies, the family economic situation and health status, and traditional attitudes. HIV/AIDS has also led to setbacks for socio-economic indicators in high-prevalence countries. Poverty among women, and domestic and other gender-based violence features high on the priority concerns of most Commonwealth countries.

The findings were compiled in the following publication:

'Gender Equality A Decade of Commonwealth Action: A Reference Book for Gender Ministers'
To download the report in PDF format Click Here

Link: Commonwealth Beijing + 10 Meeting of Ministers, Senior Officials, Civil Society Organisations and Partners

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Country Reports

Australia

The Bahamas

Botswana

Canada

Cyprus

Dominica

Ghana

Grenada

India 

Jamaica

Kenya

Lesotho

Malawi

Malaysia

Malta

New Zealand

Nigeria

St Vincent and the Grenadines

Solomon Islands

Sri Lanka

Swaziland

Trinidad and Tobago

Uganda

United Kingdom / United Kingdom CEDAW Report / United Kingdom CEDAW Annex

Zambia