The year 2005 marks a decade of successful initiatives since Commonwealth governments adopted the 1995 Commonwealth Plan of Action on Gender and Development, which was presented to the UN Fourth World Conference on Women held in Beijing in 1995. This Reference Book for Gender Ministers: A Decade of Commonwealth Action provides a snapshot account of the Commonwealth's achievements in promotion gender equality and records the numerous advances made by women during the 1995-2005 period. The publication also highlights the work of 53 member countries and partner organisations across the Commonwealth. The country profiles and regional reports will enable policy-makers, development practioners partner organisations to build on achievements and learn from the challenges encountered. The publication also identifies emerging issues that need to be addressed by the Commonwealth in the decade ahead. The strong message is that gender equality should be at the centre of the Commonwealth's development and democracy agenda. This is critical to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.
It is important that women and men benefit equitably from all that society has to offer, and are equally empowered to influence its governance and decisions.