EFF statement commemorating International Day of Women in Diplomacy
24 June 2024
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) proudly commemorate the International Day of Women in Diplomacy, under the theme of "Women's Leadership in Multilateral Diplomacy." This day is an opportunity to honour the remarkable contributions of women who have shaped the global diplomatic landscape, advocating for peace, justice, and equality across borders.
Multilateral diplomacy, the practice of negotiating and collaborating among multiple countries to address global issues, is a cornerstone of international relations. It involves collective decision-making and cooperative efforts to resolve conflicts, promote human rights, and foster sustainable development.
We have witnessed extraordinary African women who have practiced multilateral diplomacy with distinction. Trailblazing figures such as Nigeria's Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-lweala, who made history as the first woman and African to serve as Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Ugandan Winnie Byanyima who is the former Executive Director of Oxfam International, and Nigerian diplomat Amina Jane Mohammed who is currently serving as the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations.
As well as Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first female President of Liberia and Nobel Peace Prize laureate; Samia Suluhu Hassan, the first woman president of Tanzania; Joyce Banda, the first woman president of Malawi; Sahle-Work Zewde, the first woman Ethiopian president; and Catherine Samba-Panza, the first woman to serve as head of state in the Central African Republic.