LAGOS- In spite progress, women are still largely excluded from positions of power and diplomacy, with the highest levels of influence and decision-making still predominantly occupied by men, says UN Women data.
A new UN Women data on gender parity across leadership positions showed that globally, women’s underrepresentation in decision-making remained a stark reality.
The new data was published by UN Women in commemoration of the International Day for Women in Diplomacy, marked on June 24.
In 2022, the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), by consensus, declared the June 24 as the International Day of Women in Diplomacy to recognise and celebrate the ways in which women are making a difference in the field of diplomacy.
In a statement, UN Women said male dominance in diplomacy and foreign affairs extended to the Permanent Missions to the UN, where women remained underrepresented as Permanent Representatives.
“As of May 2024, women held 25 percent of Permanent Representative posts in New York, 35 percent in Geneva, and 33.5 per cent in Vienna.
UN Women Executive Director, Sima Bahous, was quoted in the statement to have said the UN Agency’s work was guided by the belief that when women lead, the world is better for all people and the planet.
According to Bahous, as many countries head to the polls this year, women must be put first, at the pinnacle of power, where and when it matters the most.
“Women’s equal participation in governance and leadership is key to improving lives for all.
“Electing and appointing women in leadership positions signals strong political will for gender equality and demonstrates a collective commitment to tackling the challenges the world faces today,” she said.
It was also noted in the statement that as of January 1 2024, only 23 percent of ministerial positions were held by women, and in 141 countries, women made up less than a third of cabinet ministers.
“UN Women continues to work to ensure women lead and thrive in shaping and driving positive change, including through occupying the most senior positions of power,” the statement read. (NAN)
