UNGA platform of newly established female leaders organized Event where they discuss global issues by topic Women leaders’ transformational solutions to today’s interconnected challenges.
In attendance were President Katalin Novák of Hungary, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh, Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir of Iceland, Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa of Samoa, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja of Uganda, Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes of Aruba, and Prime Minister. General Silveria E. Jacobs of St. Maarten, as well as former Prime Minister Helen Clark of New Zealand.
Making a ‘positive difference’
Recent global crises, such as COVID-19 pandemics, climate emergencies and conflict, have shown the positive difference that women leadership and decision-making can make in executive, parliamentary and public administration positions.
For example, data from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and UN Womenpointed out that governments with higher representation of women in parliament have passed a number of more gender-sensitive policy measures in response to the pandemicinclude policies aimed directly at enhancing women’s economic security.
Tuesday’s event was hosted by the Office of the President of the United Nations General Assembly and UN Women, in collaboration with the Council of Women World Leaders (CWWL).
Transformational Leadership
In his remarks to the meeting, General Assembly President Csaba Kőrösi made the case for more women in government.
“Women’s leadership is transformative. The women leaders with us today are living proof of this fact,” he said.
“Comprehensive governance can lead to policies” Create positive change long term. By integrating the perspectives of diverse women – especially at the highest levels – governments can effectively tailor and target solutions to those who need them most.”
UNECA / Daniel Getachaw
Deputy Secretary General Amina Mohammed (left) was accompanied by President Sahle-Work Zewde of Ethiopia during her visit to drought-stricken communities in the Somali Regional State.
Long road ahead
Of the 193 countries that are Member States of the United Nations, only 28 women hold elected Heads of State or Government positions.
There is still a long way to go when it comes to the percentage of women in other levels of political office.
Globally, women make up 21% of the world’s ministers, 26% of national MPs and 34% of elected local government seats.
A new one UN report further revealed that at the current rate of progress, equal representation of parliament will not be reached until 2062.
Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women, sees the powerful role of the newly formed leadership platform.
“As more women take the lead in political and public life, everyone benefitsespecially during crises,” she said.
“A new generation of girls sees a possible future for themselves. Health, education, childcare and violence against women get more attention and better solutions. We must find every possible way to amplify the wealth that women leaders bring. This platform is an opportunity to do just that. ”
‘We must act now’
The UNGA Women Leaders Global Forum has its roots in a meeting in September 2021 between Women Leaders of State and Government and Abdulla Shahid, who was the President of the General Assembly at the time.
Mr. Shahid emphasized the importance of Tuesday’s event, based on statistics.
“At our current rate of progress, it may take 300 years to achieve gender equality, “I said. “We must act now. Accelerate investment in girls and women. Scaling up efforts to empower women. Expand opportunities for girls. Eliminating gender-based violence”.
More women, more diversity
According to the event organizers, the UNGA Forum on Women Leaders will also help bring visibility to women in prominent political leadership positions.
They added that the important role of women’s leadership in promoting sustainable development has been recognized.
Countries with more female political leaders tend to be more concerned with issues such as health, education, infrastructure, and ending violence against women.
In response to the pandemic, women leaders advocate policies that address its economic and social impacts on the most vulnerable groups.
Representation problem
The data also show that in conflict-affected contexts, women’s representation in public life gives high credibility to peace and negotiation processes, helping to unify affected communities. divide.
Furthermore, research also shows that having more women in power increases girls’ educational and career aspirations.
“It is my strong belief that The world needs more female leaders and more diverse leaderspeople of all backgrounds and life experiences,” said Ms. Jakobsdóttir, Prime Minister of Iceland and President of CWWL.
“The decisions that leaders make affect everyone in our society. These decisions should be made by people who have a real and profound understanding of how most people live, what their concerns are, and thus meet their needs. ”
