Futurelect’s Post

See you tomorrow at 2:45pm to discuss Feminist Foreign Policy!

🌍 Today marks the International Day of Women in Diplomacy. ❓️Why is this day important? 💡Take economic empowerment as an example: 40% of countries retain legislation that restricts property rights of women; 37% of women do not have bank accounts; women only have access to 1% of the $13 trillion global market. It is essential that women are represented and listened to in decision-making forums to make a real change to these stark stats. We need to recognise where women are under-represented - internationally, regionally and domestically - and ask ourselves why and change it.

When diplomacy became a profession, it was practically impossible for women to venture into this field. In most countries women formally acquired the right to become diplomats just under a century ago. Despite recent progress, it's distressing to read from UN Women that only 23% of ministerial positions globally are held by women, with seven countries having no women in their cabinets. It’s clear there's much work to be done because women in diplomacy are crucial for shaping policies that ensure equal access and opportunities for all. From negotiating peace agreements to championing gender parity in the digital realm, their impact is profound and far-reaching. As the United Nations states, women and girls represent half of the world’s population and, therefore, also half of its potential. This women in diplomacy day, I want to take a moment to recognize the important role women in diplomacy play in ensuring efforts for gender parity extend to the digital world too. Their unwavering dedication, resilience, and leadership have been instrumental in shaping international relations and fostering global cooperation to arrive at disruptive solutions for generational challenges. Recognizing that women’s participation in the digital realm is a social and economic issue, let’s commit to continuing global cooperation that recognizes the critical role and need of women in leadership in creating a more inclusive digital ecosystem where the gender digital gap is no more a reality. #DigitalProsperity4All #WomenInDiplomacyDay  #DigitalInclusion #DigitalGenderGap

Last week, Gianina Dimitrescu, the IIHS UN ECOSOC Advisor on Women, Peace, and Security, contributed to the 4th International Workshop for Leadership and Security in Islamabad. Zeroing in on #humansecurity, conversations highlighted opportunities and challenges regarding Population Growth and #Migration, Health Security, #Climate,#FoodSecurity, and #GenderSecurity, among others. Read the reflections and takeaways below.

Really looking forward to the « Gender in Foreign Policy » conference which is starting tomorrow https://lnkd.in/ediAUHuU Georgetown University in Qatar

I attended a seminar hosted by the Zimbabwe Women's Resource Centre and Network, where we discussed a book chapter on "Challenges and Triumphs for Women Leaders in African Diplomacy". The chapter, co-authored by Jennifer Chiringa Rudo Mabel Chitiga , and Dr. Hesphina Rukato, is part of the book "KEY ISSUES IN AFRICA DIPLOMACY-Developments and Achievements". The discussion shed light on how patriarchal ideologies and gendered obstacles prevent women from pursuing diplomacy roles. Many women are unaware of what diplomacy entails, and those who do aspire to these roles often face significant barriers. However, it's important to note that women have made essential contributions to politics and international relations when given the opportunity. Women's equal participation and representation at all levels of decision-making are key to unlocking the transformational changes needed to secure a sustainable future. When women are involved in peace processes, they bring credibility and are essential for unifying divided communities and rallying peace-building actors . We need more women at the decison making table, shaping the future of Africa. Many thanks to the authors for the chapter. Paidamoyo C Maringwa (The SheKing) Girls And Women Empowerment Network Organisation

Two weeks ago, I had the honor of training policy makers on evidence-based decision-making. The training explored and addressed the challenges and opportunities for effective conception, drafting, approving and overseing the implementation of public sector policies and laws to facilitate sustainable local governance that is urgently needed by our urban and rural communities. We discussed the knowledge-sets, methods, tools, synergies, equipment, technologies and attitudes needed for sound policy development, representation and oversight. Also discussed was the impact of emerging (disruptive) technologies that will shape the governments of tomorrow. A week later, I was called upon to document deliberations among leaders of a faith-based organization drawn from across Africa to discuss gender mainstreaming within their country and regional association(s). The end result was a draft report and country-specific gender mainstreaming workplans for each delegation. Tremendous gains are being made towards the emancipation and empowerment of African women and girls. The key message, from this experience was the need to leave no-one behind in development.

The 24th of June is International Day of Women in Diplomacy. There are many reasons to strive for more, and more equal involvement of women in diplomacy. Research indicates that more diversity, gender equality and women empowerment leads to better outcomes of any process, whether in government or in the private sector. Diplomacy is no exception. To name a few of the benefits: ✔ Enhanced Diplomatic Outcomes and Decision-Making ✔ Promotion of Equality and Human Rights ✔ Improved Peace and Security Outcomes ✔ Economic Benefits and Development ✔ Strengthened Institutional Legitimacy and Credibility Knowing all this, the Permanent Representation of the Netherlands to the UN in Rome, pursues a feminist approach in its diplomatic work with the UN agencies for agriculture and food in Rome. Today, and all other days of the year. #WomeninDiplomacy World Food Programme FAO International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) CGIAR Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality

Yesterday, on the 25th of September 2024, the Zimbabwe Women's Resources Centre and Network 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 Susan Chiriga, Rudo Mabel Chitiga, and Dr. Hesphina Rukato 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. #genderequality #GetTheBook #diplomacy #WomenInLeadership #WomenInDiplomacy #africandiplomacy