As the world commemorates the International Day of Women in Diplomacy (IDWID), the importance of women, who make up 50 per cent of the world’s population, participating in diplomatic relations cannot be over-emphasised.

Consul General, People’s Republic of China, Ms Yan Yuqing, stated in Lagos, at the weekend, that the emotions, patience and meticulousness of women were qualities needed to perform diplomatic duties, adding that the gender could use their flexibility to solve problems.

She noted that for her, communication and establishing relationships were vital in the execution of her duties, adding that by understanding the national, people and social conditions of the country one is deployed to and knowing its policies, one could accurately grasp the needs and concerns of the country from multiple dimensions.

Such postings, she said, enhance understanding and mutual trust between the two sides, put forward practical and effective work suggestions and achieve mutual benefit and a win-win cooperation.

Advocating more African women in the field, Yuqing urged them to be determined, confident, focused, persevering and hopeful.

Consul-General of Denmark, Jette Bjerrum, noted that Danish people have a core belief that women should have and will have a key role in peace-building and security, adding that women’s role in the areas of peace and security “is a key priority area” for Denmark.

“We believe that if you want to secure the basis for lasting development and prosperity, also in the hardest hit regions in the world, women have to be included in the processes and decision making,” she said.

She charged women to have mentors, break down barriers, secure open dialogue and support wherever possible.

Speaking on equal participation of women in the profession, Deputy Consul-General, Kingdom of the Netherlands, Leonie Van Der Stijl, said women’s equal participation and representation at all levels of decision-making “is key”.

According to her, women’s leadership style, expertise and priorities broaden the scope of agenda and the quality of outcomes.

With women’s engagement in political and peace-making processes, she said, more inclusive decisions are made, different voices are heard and solutions are created.

She opined that female diplomats have often crafted additional agility in their diplomatic skill sets, out of necessity. She however noted that women have long been excluded from important gatherings, causing them to put in extra efforts to go against societal norms and to claim a seat at decision making tables.

To improve women’s role in diplomacy, she stressed the need to echo and credit a woman’s perspective and to allow them perform their task professionally.

She charged junior female diplomats to find a mentor, while urging mid- and senior career female diplomats to mentor the next generation.