Copenhagen Conference

Definition

The Copenhagen Conference, officially known as the Fourth World Conference on Women, was held in 1995 in Copenhagen, Denmark. This significant event brought together thousands of delegates from around the world to discuss and promote gender equality and women's empowerment, building on previous international conferences focused on women's issues.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Copenhagen Conference was a landmark event that resulted in a set of commitments by governments to advance women's rights and gender equality.
2. One of the major outcomes of the conference was the adoption of the Copenhagen Declaration, which emphasized the importance of women's participation in all aspects of society.
3. The conference served as a platform for grassroots organizations to voice their concerns and priorities related to women's issues.
4. It marked a shift towards recognizing the intersectionality of gender with other social factors like race, class, and nationality.
5. The conference's discussions laid the groundwork for future global initiatives focused on women, culminating in the 1995 Beijing Conference.

Review Questions

• What were the key outcomes of the Copenhagen Conference in relation to global women's rights?
  • The key outcomes of the Copenhagen Conference included the adoption of the Copenhagen Declaration, which highlighted commitments from governments to promote gender equality and empower women. The conference brought attention to various issues affecting women globally and emphasized their participation in decision-making processes. It also fostered collaboration between governments and grassroots organizations to address women's needs more effectively.
• Analyze how the Copenhagen Conference contributed to shaping future international policies on women's issues.
  • The Copenhagen Conference significantly shaped future international policies by providing a framework for understanding women's rights within a global context. The discussions and agreements made during the conference informed subsequent events, including the Beijing Conference, where further commitments were made towards gender equality. The emphasis on collaborative efforts between governments and civil society also encouraged ongoing dialogue and action on women's issues worldwide.
• Evaluate the impact of the Copenhagen Conference on local movements advocating for women's rights in different cultural contexts.
  • The impact of the Copenhagen Conference on local movements was profound, as it inspired many grassroots organizations to amplify their advocacy for women's rights within their specific cultural contexts. By providing a global platform that recognized diverse women's experiences, the conference encouraged local activists to demand changes from their governments based on international commitments. This intersectional approach helped local movements gain visibility and support while promoting tailored strategies that addressed unique cultural challenges faced by women.

Related terms

Beijing Platform for Action: A comprehensive policy agenda adopted at the 1995 Beijing Conference, outlining strategic objectives and actions to achieve gender equality and women's empowerment globally.

Women's Rights: The rights and entitlements claimed for women and girls in many societies worldwide, encompassing issues such as equality, reproductive rights, and freedom from violence.

Gender Mainstreaming: A strategy for integrating gender perspectives into all levels of decision-making and policy development to achieve gender equality.