Kilden’s annual conference 2025: Rights in reverse? – The global fight for gender equality 30 years after Beijing
«Never forget that it only takes a political, economic or religious crisis for women's rights to be called into question. These rights are never acquired. You will have to remain vigilant for life».
– Simone de Beauvoir
Welcome to Kilden’s annual conference 2025!
Date: 26 November 2025
Time: 10.00–17.00
Place: National Museum / Online
Link to registration form
About the conference
In 2025, we mark three anniversaries that have shaped the global movement for gender equality:
- 1975: The UN International Women’s Year put women’s rights on the global agenda.
- 1995: The Beijing Platform recognised gender equality as a universal human right.
- 2000: The platform laid the groundwork for the UN Security Council Resolution on Women, Peace and Security.
A great deal has already been achieved. Far more girls now attend school and take higher education, more women participate in politics and working life, and international frameworks have strengthened women’s rights in peace and security issues.
At the same time, we are seeing considerable setbacks. Reproductive rights – in particular the right to abortion – have been undermined in several countries. Violence against women is increasing during war and conflict, and the rights of queer people, indigenous peoples and minorities are under pressure. Anti-rights movements are attacking gender research, gender equality policy and rights, also in Norway, and democratic setbacks mean that the progress we thought we had secured can no longer be taken for granted.
At Kilden’s annual conference 2025, we will ask:
- Where does the global fight for gender equality stand today?
- What can research tell us about developments in the field, and how can this knowledge be used to understand and address the backlash?
- What are the arguments for and against holding a fifth global women’s conference now?
From historical legacy to the fight ahead
The UN International Women’s Year in 1975 marked the beginning of a global commitment to women’s rights. The following decade, marked by major world conferences, established networks of organisations and activists that laid the groundwork for the Beijing Platform in 1995. This platform recognised gender equality as a universal human right, and it paved the way for Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security five years later.
Now, three decades on, we have to ask whether these tools are still fit for purpose. Kilden’s annual conference brings researchers, activists, politicians and decision-makers together to share knowledge, raise awareness and chart the way forward. Join us for one of the year’s most important debates on gender equality and democracy.
Programme
Meet Mona Eltahawy, the Egyptian-American journalist and author who writes for international media about Islam, women’s issues and political and social affairs in the Middle East. Also meet Tina Askanius, professor of media and communication studies at Malmö University, who will provide insight into anti-rights movements and the mechanisms behind digital mobilisation.
Professor Emerita Anne Hellum takes us on a historical journey – from the UN International Women’s Year and Beijing to the development of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and the political and legal challenges we now face.
Through the research relay ‘30 years after Beijing – what now? Which rights are under pressure?’ you can listen to researchers discuss the right to protection from violence, women in war and conflict, indigenous and minority rights, the importance of international gender equality standards and reporting, and sexual and reproductive rights. Salma Nims from the Jordanian Women’s Union presents the report Feminist Agenda Beyond Colonial Structures – Reflections in the Post Beijing Era.
The day concludes with a topical panel discussion on intersectionality and global challenges – and an inspiring relay of speeches where young voices share their visions for the future of gender equality.
More details to follow!
Kilden's Annual Conference
Kildens Annual Conference is a meeting place for researchers, civil society, policymakers, and anyone interested who signs up. It is free and open for everyone to participate, either physically or digitally.