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.
All these women exemplify the transformative power of women's leadership in diplomacy. In fact, we have surpassed countries like the United States of America (USA) and the United Kingdom (UK) in placing women in positions of leadership, demonstrating that Africa is steadily liberating itself from the colonial legacy that ingrained gender inequality into our cultures.
This progress reveals that Africa is reclaiming its true heritage, dispelling the myth that gender oppression is inherently African.
Today, we also commend the outstanding South African women lawyers Adila Hassam, Sarah Pudifin-Jones, and Lerato Zikalala. These formidable women were part of the South African legal team at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) case against apartheid Israel, standing up for Palestinian freedom and justice.
Their courage and expertise highlight the significant role that South African women play in defending human rights and championing intemational law. However, due to the extreme patriarchal conditions we live under, women are undermined and side-lined in leadership.
As it stands, only 18 countries have a woman Head of State, and 15 countries have a woman Head of Government. Additionally, women represent only 23.3 percent of Cabinet members heading Ministries, with only 15 countries in which women hold 50 percent or more of the positions of Cabinet Ministers leading policy areas.
Even more demeaning is that women are regulated on women and gender, family and children affairs, and social development. This is despite years of compelling global evidence showing that women's leadership significantly enhances political decision-making processes, they continue to be marginalised.
Women consistently demonstrate exceptional political leadership, often working across party lines through parliamentary women's caucuses—even in the most politically combative environments. Their unique ability to resolve conflicts and collaborate beyond political affiliations exemplifies the kind of leadership that is essential in diplomacy.
The EFF celebrates the achievements of these and countless other women who continue to break barriers and lead with integrity in the realm of multilateral diplomacy.
We reaffirm our commitment to supporting and empowering women in all areas of leadership, ensuring that their contributions are recognised and their voices are heard.
Issued by Leigh-Ann Mathys, National Spokesperson, EFF, 24 June 2024
