Foreword

Gender equality, development and peace for the new century are key issues for all women, whether in New Zealand or internationally.

In Beijing in 1995 delegates to the United Nations' Fourth World Conference on Women created the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. This document has become the blueprint for advancing women's equality.

In June 2000 delegates regrouped to review their efforts over the past five years, assess progress and share experiences.

It was also an opportunity for delegates to look at the obstacles they had encountered and use their collective knowledge and creativity to develop strategies to overcome these.

As Minister of Women's Affairs I had been looking forward to attending the sessions in New York and taking part in the debates. Unfortunately my mother's death prevented me from attending. However, New Zealand was very ably represented by a delegation of MPs, Government officials and members of the non-governmental community.

After the meeting the Ministry arranged briefing sessions for women's groups in Wellington and Auckland to give local women the chance to hear delegates' reports and ask questions.

These reports form the body of this Outcomes Document. I know nothing can replace the rich experience of actually being at an international gathering like Beijing + 5, but I hope this report will give you a clear idea of what went on and how delegates arrived at some of the conclusions presented in this document.

I also hope this information will inspire women all over New Zealand to find ways to take up the challenges presented by the Platform for Action and Outcomes Document, and build on the work done both in Beijing and New York to progress women's equality in New Zealand and internationally.

Hon Laila Harré