The landmark Fourth World Conference on Women, held in Beijing 25 years ago recognised the central role of macroeconomic policy in the promotion of women’s rights. In subsequent years, however, debates on the achievement of gender equality have largely side-stepped this critical issue. Reflecting on the objectives and action points in the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, this briefing concludes that specific economic policy reforms are vital if the aspirations made a quarter century ago are now to be realised.