Author(s)

S. Zahedi

Abstract

Two decades ago, in 1987, the concept of sustainable development was expressed in the Brundtland Commission Report. The follow-up global conferences in Rio (1992) and in Johannesburg (2002), highlighted the sustainability concept with the major characteristics of ecological sustainability and fair distribution over time and in space. Considering these important issues concerned with accomplishing sustainable development, the author views sustainability from a social perspective and believes that sustainable development is impossible unless gender mainstreaming is embodied in its vision, strategies, policies and programs. The Fourth World Conference on Women held in Beijing in 1995, identified the major critical areas of concern requiring action by governments and the international community and stressed the need to promote women’s status in those major areas. Twelve years after the Beijing Conference, there is still a large gap between what women actually obtained and what was written in the Beijing Platform for Action. There are still very important issues that have not been dealt with properly. It is widely recognized that in order for the world to be able to obtain sustainable development, it is fundamental for all citizens to participate in the development process and this is only possible with the full involvement of women. This means that women’s issues must be given priority in national and international arenas. This article will discuss five important issues that deserve prior attention and adequate action for women’s development: globalization and women, violence against women, trafficking of women, armed conflicts and the gender digital divide. The author believes that sustainable development is but a repeated slogan and a dream that will not come true unless it includes women’s development in its agenda. Keywords: sustainable development, women development, globalization, violence against women, trafficking, armed conflicts, gender digital divide.

Keywords

sustainable development, women development, globalization, violence against women, trafficking, armed conflicts, gender digital divide.