New York, 24 June 2022 (TDI): The United Nations (UN) General Assembly declared 24 June as the day to appreciate women in Diplomacy at the seventy-sixth session.
The General Assembly declared the International Women in Diplomacy day to emphasize the participation of women in achieving peace and democracy.
During the seventy-sixth session, the Assembly asked all member states and organizations to acknowledge this day.
Thilmeeza Hussain, the Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations, introduced the resolution and said, “Women’s participation in decision making is very vital”. She also said that women account for one-fifth of the permanent representatives.
The establishment of the International Women in diplomacy day will therefore help the UN and all stakeholders to spread awareness. It also provides an opportunity to assess what can be done to achieve women’s full, equal, and effective participation.
The president of the General Assembly, Abdulla Shahid also described it as a great privilege to be part of the adoption. He also pointed to women’s significant role in drafting the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. He said the resolution opened the door to talk about the difficulties women face in diplomacy.
Women’s Participation in Diplomacy over the years:
The UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed expressed her joy at the adoption. According to her, women only represent a little over a third of the Security Council’s permanent representatives.
Mohammed also highlighted that women offer many benefits to diplomacy. She noted that women pass laws and policies that are better for ordinary people, the environment, and social cohesion.
She also encouraged all stakeholders to enhance the cause of women diplomats. “Until we achieve parity in every Organization, Council, and General Assembly”.
Between 1992 and 2019, women represented 23% of negotiators, 6% of mediators, and 6% of signatories in peace settlements globally. In 2020, they represented 23% of conflict party delegations in UN-supported peace processes. Women make up 21.7% of permanent representatives at the UN Headquarters.
