Beyond Beijing: putting words into action.

The Fourth World Conference on Women acknowledged that environmental degradation 1) disproportionately affects poor women who are powerless to control it, 2) is linked to poverty, and 3) jeopardizes women's reproductive health. Thus, the Platform for Action addresses environmental inequalities among its 12 areas of critical concern, and the governments who signed the consensus agreed to take almost two dozen specific environmental actions in the areas of 1) involving women in environmental decision-making, 2) integrating gender concerns in sustainable development, and 3) assessing the impact of developmental and environmental policies on women. The NGO (nongovernmental organization) Forum held in conjunction with the Conference acted as the environmental conscience of the Conference. In their discussions of environmental matters, NGO Forum participants introduced new concepts, such as that of environmental injustice or imperialism, into the international lexicon. They sought to develop a worldwide network working for social changes through the power of information sharing. Specific commitments to provide clean water to citizens were made by several countries, Cambodia pledged to include women in sustainable development programs, and Lesotho agreed to educate women about alternative energy sources. The US created the President's Interagency Council on Women to follow through on platform pledges. The environmental efforts of this Council will focus on improving women's health. NGOs throughout the world are holding a series of meetings to exchange information about the Conference and to suggest implementation methods.