Yesterday, on the 25th of September 2024, the Zimbabwe Women’s Resource Centre and Network (ZWRNC) Thokozile Ruzvidzo hosted an event to discuss a chapter from our book titled “Challenges and Triumphs for Women Leaders in African Diplomacy.” The chapter was written by Jennifer Chiriga, Rudo Chitiga, and Hesphina Rukato Musoro and is featured in the book “Key Issues in African Diplomacy – Developments and Achievements,” edited by Sven Botha and Jo-Ansie van Wyk, and published by Bristol University Press.
Our discussions were open and honest, highlighting the pressing need for more women in diplomacy. My key appreciation points are set out below:
1. Beyond the chapter content, I found the shared inspiration for women to pick up their pens and write about their own experiences and stories to be profound.
2. In the context of artificial intelligence and the current and future projections of economic, trade, and cultural diplomacy, the discussions emphasized the importance of women upgrading their skills to have a greater impact in this field.
3. There is a clear need to amplify the experiences and knowledge of retired and current national and African diplomats to build a body of knowledge that will serve the interests of Africa as a whole.
4. Rather than trying to fit into “boys’ club” spaces and definitions created by and for men, women diplomats should establish safe spaces for engaging in diplomatic issues.
5. To increase their impact in diplomacy, women should prioritise networking, collaborating, partnering, mentoring, and deliberately supporting one another.
The discussion was timely as on the same day the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, during his #UNGA address said:
“I am sorry to see that despite years of talk, gender inequality is on full display in the United Nations General Assembly Hall…Less than 10% of speakers during this week’s General Debate are women. This is unacceptable-especially when we know gender equality delivers for peace, sustainable development, climate action and much more…
I call on male-dominated political and economic establishments around the world to do it.”
There you have it!
Let us join forces to increase the numbers and effectiveness of women in the field of diplomacy.
