International Day For Women In Diplomacy

We must all do everything possible to ensure women are at the table, our voices heard and our contributions valued.”- UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed. Historically, diplomacy has been the preserve of men. Nevertheless, it is time to recognize and celebrate the numerous ways in which women are breaking barriers and making a difference in the field of diplomacy. As of 2014, 143 countries guaranteed equality between men and women in their constitutions. Unfortunately, another 52 countries have yet to make this important commitment. Undoubtedly, advocating for increased representation of women in key decision-making positions will greatly shape and implement multilateral agendas. It is for this reason that the international community commemorates the International Day for Women in Diplomacy on June 24. The day is set aside to recognize and celebrate the ways in which women are dismantling barriers and influencing decisions in the field of diplomacy. This year’s theme is Women's Leadership in Multilateral Diplomacy. The theme this year is vital for the advancement of women in the field of diplomacy. What is Diplomacy?. Diplomacy encompasses everything leaders do to advocate for their national interests around the world. They secure those interests by leveraging a vast array of foreign policy tools (including sanctions, foreign assistance, trade, and armed force). The real challenge in foreign policy is deciding which tools, and how much of each tool, to use in a given scenario. Ultimately, the goal of diplomacy is to affect other countries’ behaviors to advance one’s own national interests. Diplomacy comes in many forms: Negotiations, or formal discussions between countries intended to resolve or prevent disputes. Back-channel Talks, or secret communications between countries, often those in conflict. Summits and Conferences, or talks between heads of state or high-level government officials, often hosted by multilateral institutions such as the United Nations. Day-to-day Diplomacy, or daily interactions between countries carried out by embassies, including discussions between diplomats and relationship-building activities such as cultural exchanges. Investing in Women. Investing in women has many meanings. However, investing in women is practical. It means that women should be equipped with the resources and opportunities to promote their personal and economic growth, fulfillment, and empowerment. Nadege Djitrinou Fagla, Country Director at World Education says, “this means providing women with training and financial support and creating platforms where they can express themselves and enact change while maintaining their autonomy and dignity. Investing in women has many benefits. For example, there is often a multiplier effect, as women will prioritize a good education for their children and share their knowledge with their communities. Women increase trust because they rarely misuse funds. Because of their central role in social dynamics, they can identify and implement effective solutions to societal challenges. They are also the source of social cohesion. When women have power, there are fewer conflicts, less violence, and more harmonious communities and countries.” It is very evident that investing in women has a multiplier effect that not only impacts the women being invested in but also impacts generations of women in that space. Women have participated in diplomacy for centuries, yet their contributions have often been overlooked. Women and girls represent half of the world’s population and, therefore, also half of its potential. Women bring immense benefits to diplomacy. Their leadership styles, expertise and priorities broaden the scope of issues under consideration and the quality of outcomes. Inclusive Diplomacy. Research shows that when women serve in cabinets and parliaments, they pass laws and policies that are better for ordinary people, the environment and social cohesion. Advancing measures to increase women’s participation in peace and political processes is vital to achieving women’s de facto equality in the context of entrenched discrimination. When women are represented in legislative bodies, it enhances the effectiveness of governance and ensures that a wider range of perspectives and experiences are considered in decision-making processes. This inclusivity not only reflects the diversity of the population but also leads to better-informed policies that address the needs of all citizens. However, the unfortunate reality is that violence against women in politics remains a significant issue that hinders progress towards gender equality. Such violence not only violates the fundamental human rights of women but also poses a serious threat to their participation in the political process. It creates a hostile environment that deters women from entering politics or voicing their opinions, ultimately undermining their abilities to contribute fully to society. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is the world’s largest yearly meeting of world leaders. While the UNGA has been the setting for several historic moments for gender equality, much has yet to be achieved regarding women’s representation and participation. Just four women have been elected President of the UN General Assembly in its 77 years. The 15-member UN Security Council has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. While women currently represent slightly over a third of the Security Council's members far higher than the average it is still far from enough. Explore the participation of women at the Security Council. The United Nations adds that countries where there are more women in legislative and executive branches of government have less defense spending and more social spending. Gender Equality. Gender equality, besides being a fundamental human right, is essential to achieve peaceful societies, with full human potential and sustainable development. Moreover, it has been shown that empowering women spurs productivity and economic growth. The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women. The CSW is instrumental in promoting women’s rights, documenting the reality of women’s lives throughout the world, and shaping global standards on gender equality and the empowerment of women. Among the priorities are: achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls in the context of climate change environmental and disaster risk reduction policies and programmes and Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective. Breaking Barriers. Without a doubt, deep legal and legislative changes are needed to ensure women’s rights around the world. Glaring gender disparities remain in economic and political realms. While there has been some progress over the decades, on average women in the labour market still earn 20 per cent less than men globally. As of 2024, only 26.8 per cent of all national parliamentarians were female, a slow rise from 11.3 per cent in 1995. On this International Day for Women in Diplomacy let us salute those women who have served, as well as those who continue to serve in various aspects of diplomacy especially in war-torn areas of the world. Let us also recognize and celebrate how women are breaking barriers and making a difference in the field of diplomacy. It is important that the international community acknowledge women’s empowerment and gender equality as essential tools on this momentous occasion. In the words of Madeleine Albright, what people have the capacity to choose, they have the ability to change. Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. waykam@yahoo.com @WayneCamo © #WomenInDiplomacy #InvestInWomen