Event description
Monday, 26 June, 8am EDT (14:00 CEST) Online
The second-ever Women in Diplomacy Day is coming up on 24 June and we’re having an online event the following Monday, 26 June to use this opportunity to ask some important questions and exchange experiences and ideas. Women (and men) active in various areas of diplomacy and foreign policy will speak about their experiences, try to answer some difficult questions, and discuss participants’ questions and comments.
- What are the key challenges faced by women in diplomatic careers, and how can we overcome these challenges?
- How can diplomacy benefit from greater gender diversity and inclusion?
- What strategies have successful women in diplomacy and foreign policy employed to navigate the male-dominated landscape?
- What initiatives or policies can be implemented to promote equal opportunities for women in diplomatic appointments and leadership positions?
- What mentorship and networking opportunities exist for women in diplomacy, and how can they be expanded or improved?
Women remain underrepresented in ambassadorship positions across the world. Out of 4,060 ambassadors currently appointed in 2021 only 842 were women, according to the AGDA Women in Diplomacy Index. This indicates that the total share of women ambassadors stands at 20.7% for 2021. The data shows that Sweden takes the lead in having appointed the highest share of women ambassadors and permanent representatives in 2021, with 48.1% of the country’s ambassadorial posts being held by women in 2021, or 50 women ambassadors out of 104. Canada’s share of women ambassadors stands at a close 46.3% having appointed 44 women ambassadors out of 95 posts.
Last year, the UN adopted the ‘Women in Diplomacy Day’ to be observed on 24 June every year. H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly remarked:
Women working in diplomacy have made critical contributions to shaping the multilateral system we have inherited today. For example, women diplomats played an essential role in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the first treaty to articulate the fundamental human rights that should be universally protected.
Yet, despite the evident contributions of women to diplomacy and multilateral decision-making, they continue to be underrepresented in senior diplomatic positions. And they still suffer the deep-rooted legacies of sexism, which hinder their professional advancement and obscure their contributions and achievements.
These facts underscore the importance of this resolution being adopted. Now we have a day specifically devoted to celebrating women in diplomacy: who have blazed trails; negotiated peace; strengthened international relations; survived hardships and danger; and have facilitated intercultural linkages. With this resolution, we open the door to discuss the challenges women in diplomacy face. With this celebration of women in diplomacy, we inspire the next generation.
Join us on 26 June for an open-ended discussion about women in diplomacy and foreign policy.
Registrations are open: