The International Day of Women in Diplomacy was celebrated on July 8, 2024, under the theme “Women, Peace, and Security: An Exchange on Lessons Learned and Experiences in the Implementation of Resolution 1325.”
Women in Diplomacy in Ethiopia Network (WIDEN) had organized an event to mark the International Day of Women in Diplomacy 2024 at the Headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).
As the UNDP stated, the day is a call to recognize the critical contributions of women, to shaping the multilateral system and their indispensable role in diplomacy.
It marks the trailblazers, women who negotiated peace agreements and strengthened international relations- in hope also to inspire the next generation of women to pursue diplomacy as a career option.
In addition to celebrating the contributions of women to diplomacy and multilateral decision-making, it draws attention to the persistent underrepresentation of women in senior diplomatic positions, pinpoints challenges that women in diplomacy face and discusses barriers that still need to be removed, it stated.
Speaking at the occasion, President Sahle-Work Zewde emphasized that women are underrepresented in diplomatic institutions, noting that the imbalance continues to result in missed opportunities and diplomatic crises for women.
“Women need to be at the table; not after men have made decisions. Thus, this kind of discussion would help us to move forward.”
Mentioning that she has mentored women diplomats since she took power as a President, she said over 1500 female students have been part of the mentorship program from five universities.
“Diplomacy is the art of discussing with one another and finding common ground and women and men need to work together for peace and security.
To this end, the President mentioned the critical importance of enhancing women’s participation in conflict resolutions, peace and security matters and stressed that their voices must be heard equally with men.
Emphasizing the need to ensure the representation of women in diplomacy in all arenas, she urged women working in the area to join hands and amplify the voice of women.
Women and Social Affairs Minister Ergogie Tesfaye (PhD) on her part stated that national action plans have proven to be instrumental in demonstrating countries’ commitment to implement the United Nations Resolution 1325 in alignment with their specific context and priorities.
Hence, Ethiopia has been taking progressive measures to implement the pillars of the Resolution integrating the principles into its national laws, policies, strategies, action plans since its approval in 2000.
As to her, the government has expressed its commitment to developing the country’s first national action plan in 2019 and embarked on a participatory process in the preparation of the action plan.
Due emphasis has been given by the government for building the capacity of women and girls in collaboration with women’s right organizations, women’s participation and representation including survivals of violence during the draft of the recently endorsed transitional justice policy has been exemplary.
It has also been taking bold steps to enhance women’s participation in the spheres of diplomacy and international relations. Despite progress, she acknowledged a significant gender gap at higher levels in the peace and security sectors.
In this regard, the government of Ethiopia has created a conducive environment for the participation and representation of women in peace building and conflict resolution at grass root level, highlighting the need to work on peace and security architecture in a manner that recognizes the role women play in traditional structures.
Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Claver Gatete also highlighted the essential role of women in peace-making and negotiations, noting that global challenges like climate change and instability cannot be resolved without fair representation of women.
The Executive Secretary also mentioned the growing role of women in peacekeeping missions noting that Ethiopia is one of the countries that have been contributing a large number of women personnel.
The event underscored the disproportionate impact of global crises on women and celebrated the upcoming anniversaries of the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and the Beijing Declaration. The theme of this year’s event was “Women, Peace, and Security: Lessons Learned and Experiences in the Implementation of Resolution 1325.”
Claver highlighted that the occasion hold special significance as we are approaching the 25th anniversary of the UNECA Resolution 1325 and the 30th anniversary of the Beijing declaration both landmark framework that have been instrumental in the gender equality and the empowerment of women in peace and security.
Addressing the global challenges such as economic, social, climate change, peace and security challenges, requires equal representation of women leaders.
“We are facing security challenges where the UN spending almost 7billion USD every year for addressing the threat. In terms of negotiation, there is no way that we can do it excluding women,” he underlined.
As UNDP indicated in its article entitled ‘Breaking Barriers: Empowering Women in Diplomacy for a More Inclusive Future’, women have been playing a crucial role in global governance since the drafting and signing of the United Nations Charter in 1945. They have been bringing immense benefits to diplomacy.
Data show that when women have a seat at the table, the odds of reducing instability and conflict improve significantly and peace agreements last longer.
“Today’s complex societal challenges – from climate change, to pandemics, to human rights violation, to sustaining peace, to inflation and economic uncertainty– cannot be resolved unless women leaders are equally represented and gender equality principles integrated across the board.” as to the same source.
Therefore, it encouraged all its partners and stakeholders to continue making systemic investments to ensure women’s equal representation in foreign policy, diplomacy and across the spectrum of decision making.
BY BETELHEM BEDLU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 18 JULY 2024
