Aimed at celebrating and recognising women of African descent in global diplomacy, and also advocating for increased female representation in key diplomatic roles, the Summit of Women of African Descent in Global Diplomacy, brought together esteemed ambassadors, diplomats, and experts to discuss the crucial role of women in shaping international relations.
Organised by Afri Diplomat, a Pan-African magazine focused on diplomatic missions of African nations, the event themed, “Deepening Inclusive Diplomacy,” highlighted the unique strengths and attributes that women bring to the diplomatic table.
Speaking on the topic, ‘The Woman As A Peacekeeper’, former Deputy Mayor of Addis Ababa, Minister of Transportation in Ethiopia and current Director of African Union Peace Fund, Dagmawit Moges Bekele emphasised the crucial role of women in peacebuilding and diplomacy. She highlighted that women are often the quiet architects of peace, working tirelessly to negotiate between feuding neighbours, hold families together during times of war, and rebuilding communities.
“We are not the future of peace building. We are its presence. We are not an odd to diplomacy. We are its foundation. Let us lead boldly, speak truthfully, and act decisively. Let us move forward together, not only as advocates, but as architects of a peaceful and prosperous Africa.”
In a goodwill message delivered by the former Foreign Minister of Tanzania and current African Union Special Envoy for Women, Peace and Security, Liberata Mulamula, she emphasised the importance of women’s participation in peace processes and diplomacy, highlighting their unique perspective and ability to prioritise empathy and care. “It is time we as women rise up and say enough is enough of words. Let you influence be fair to wherever you are. I do not see any alternative to diplomacy and inclusion of women.”
In a panel session led by Editor, Guardian Woman, Ijeoma Thomas-Odia, on the topic, ‘Women’s Attributes That Diplomacy Benefits From while deepening inclusive diplomacy before the next generation arrive,” Botswana Ambassador to Nigeria, Philda Kereng emphasised the importance of women’s participation in diplomacy, citing their innate qualities as life givers, caregivers, and nurturers. These traits, she said, enable women to bring stability and calm to diplomatic situations, making them effective problem solvers and leaders. “Diplomacy, benefits and needs women so that the space of work in the missions out there has a life, because we give life, we preserve life, we inspire life, and we are the light in that space.”
Ambassador of Germany to Nigeria, Annet Gunther of Germany emphasized the importance of leadership in promoting inclusion and equal opportunities for women in diplomacy. While advising young women to believe in their abilities, and not give up in the face of challenges, she encourages them to network and support each other, just as men do, and to take advantage of opportunities as they arise emphasising that women can succeed in diplomacy with hard work and determination.
Grand Patron of the Young Diplomats Association, Mrs. Valentina Uchegbu also highlighted the innate traits that women bring to diplomacy, including resilience, innovation, and risk-taking. She stressed the need for women to balance these traits with diplomacy and thoughtful response, rather than impulsive reaction.
According to her, “women need to take the bull by the horn. This life gives you only what you BARGAIN FOR and the same way it goes in other aspects of life, you have to ask for it. You have to not just ask for it, BUT demand for it.”
In a display of male allyship, deputy high commissioner of Ethopia to Nigeria, Esayas Gotta Seifu, stood out for his passionate advocacy for women’s empowerment in diplomacy. He praised women’s attributes, including loyalty, sense of duty, responsibility, task-worthiness, and integrity. He emphasized the importance of deliberate government policies to promote women’s participation in diplomacy, such as 50-50 representation at entry levels.
“We know that women, as mothers, as sisters, as daughters, as wives, have an asset in understanding the theory of caring, inclusiveness and loving. So, we want women to exercise that power. For the last many, many thousands of years, who were in power? Men. We have seen the leadership qualities of men. Now, women, try to take over.”
Convener of the summit and Publisher, Afri Diplomat, Sòókò Deji Ajomale-McWord, said his organisation believes that achieving gender equality is crucial for creating a better world for future generations. “Out of more than 100 ambassadors on foreign missions to Nigeria, only eight of them are women. Not only are there too few women ambassadors posted to Nigeria, most deputy ambassadors/ deputy high commissioners and first chanceries are also men. I refuse to believe that there aren’t enough competent women available for diplomatic missions’ postings. This is why we decided to convene a platform that addresses this abnormality.”
In a fireside chat with Honorary consular of Columbia to Nigeria, Maricel Romero Cantillo, she spoke extensively on her role connecting ties with Nigeria and Columbia, including on ‘Africarribean sisterhood in diplomacy.’ Other speakers at the event include, Mrs. Aisha Sani Dangote, who gave insights on the ‘True value of The Girl Child’ and Dr. Adeline Shuri Clinton-Agbor spoke on Mental health in women, while stressing on the need for women to priorities their mental health while being in the diplomatic space.
