Mission Statement of Asia Pacific Women's Watch

Gender Equality, Development and Peace

We, the women of the Asia Pacific declare our determination to strive for a world in which:

• Women are fully empowered and participate equally in the definition of structures, systems and policies that determine the framework of our lives;
  
• Resources are sustainably used, equally shared between women and men and equitably distributed within and between States;
  
• Militarism is replaced by peace and mutual respect between nations ensures measures to rectify the gross inequalities and disparities resulting from globalisation;
  
• Societies are based on individual and social dignity and as women, we can express ourselves and move about freely and confidently without fear of violence.
  
• Recognising the impetus given by the Beijing Platform for Action (BPFA) to achieving this vision and the important contribution of NGOs and the vibrant women's movement, we reaffirm our commitment to the BPFA principles and to the general framework for the achievement of equality, development and peace.
  

We deplore the lack of comprehensive, integrated implementation of the BPFA by governments in our region and view with concern the persistence of :

• Regressive elements and attitudes towards women's empowerment in our region.
  
• The failure to provide high quality, affordable services addressing women's primary health needs and persistent narrow approaches to reproductive and sexual health.
  
• The lack of comprehensive, gender sensitive educational policies that would empower women.
  
• The culture of violence against women and the escalating commodification and exploitation of women and girl-children.
  
• The degradation and depletion of the environment and the failure to develop effective national, regional and international policies to protect natural resources and ensure their sustainability.
  
• The actual and potential negative effects of modern biotechnology and information and communications technology.
  
• The inadequate attention given to the needs of women and girls marginalised by virtue of their social or personal identity and/or orientation, disability, or social, economic or political circumstances.
  
• The inadequate mechanisms for ensuring that governments fulfill their international obligations to implement commitments that involve, benefit and empower women, eradicate poverty and safeguard natural resources.
  
• The lack of political will to empower women beyond statements of policy and legislation and to truly redress systemic and structural imbalances.
  

New challenges include:

• The negative impact of globalisation and structural adjustment programmes on all the Critical Areas of Concern that threaten gains, while promoting the feminisation of poverty.
  
• The increasing influence of multi- and trans-national corporations in all arenas and the failure of the international community to develop mechanisms for their regulation and accountability.
  
• The wresting of economic, legal and political control from local and indigenous communities and the progressive control of natural resources, science and technology including the patenting of life forms by multinational and transnational actors.
  
• The alarming increase in armed and other forms of violent conflict and the perpetuation of the systematic use of violence against women by State, para-State and non-State actors.
  
• The increasing militarisation and nuclearisation of the region.
  
• The escalating use of identity-based constructs to deny women equality, enjoyment of rights, access to resources and a voice, particularly through the use and threat of violence.
  

As we leave this century of turmoil, rapid change and development, we call upon the governments of the world to have the courage and commitment to translate the high hopes of the BPFA into concrete actions that help us move from the conflict, inequality and injustices which characterise our region towards the principles of mutual respect, equality and justice reflected in the vision shared by the women of the Asia Pacific region.