celebrating Women in Multilateralism: A Call for Gender Equality and Inclusive Dialog
Ahead of the International Day of Women in Multilateralism, the Council of Europe hosted a landmark event organized by the Informal Network of Women Deputies of Permanent Representations and the Luxembourg Presidency of the Committee of Ministers. The gathering highlighted the critical role of women in fostering gender equality, advancing multilateralism, and creating equal opportunities—core pillars of the Council’s mission.
Patrick Engelberg, Luxembourg’s Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe, set the tone by emphasizing the importance of initiating change at the grassroots level. “Promoting living together is a priority of our Presidency,” he stated. Reflecting on his career in Brussels, Engelberg noted the transformative impact of increasing female depiction in diplomacy. “The tone changed, male rivalry diminished, and sensitive issues were addressed with greater openness,” he observed.
Deputy Secretary General Bjørn Berge echoed this sentiment, addressing the dual challenges of a fragile multilateral system and the persistent gender gap. With 2024 being a pivotal election year globally, Berge highlighted the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles. “I pledge not to participate in male-only panels—a small but important step toward inclusivity,” he declared, underscoring the need for tangible actions to drive progress.
The event featured a dynamic panel discussion with insights from prominent leaders:
- Marialena Tsirli, Registrar of the European Court of Human Rights
- Gunn Jorid Roset, Acting Director General, Multilateral Department, Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Anne Goedert, Ambassador-at-large for Human Rights, Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs
- Begoña Lasagabaster, UNESCO’s Director for Gender equality (via pre-recorded message)
These voices underscored the transformative power of women in shaping multilateral dialogue and advancing equality. The event served as a rallying cry for a more inclusive and balanced future, aligning with the Council’s vision of peace and equity.
key Takeaways from the Event
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Organizers | informal Network of Women Deputies, Luxembourg Presidency |
| Key Themes | Gender equality, multilateralism, equal opportunities |
| Notable Speakers | Patrick Engelberg, Bjørn Berge, Marialena Tsirli, Gunn Jorid Roset, Anne Goedert, Begoña Lasagabaster |
| Key Quote | “I pledge not to participate in male-only panels—a small but important step toward inclusivity.” – Bjørn Berge |
The event not only celebrated the achievements of women in multilateralism but also highlighted the work still needed to bridge the gender gap. As the Council of Europe continues to champion these efforts,the call for inclusivity and equality grows louder,paving the way for a more equitable future.
Join the conversation and explore how you can contribute to advancing gender equality in multilateral spaces. Together, we can create a world where every voice is heard and valued.
Headline:
“Paving the Path to Parity: A Conversation on Women in Multilateralism with Dr. Elara Navabi, Gender Equality Expert”
Introduction:
Join us as we delve into the yet untapped potential of women in multilateral forums with dr. Elara Navabi, a renowned expert on gender equality and inclusive dialog. Her insights, drawn from the recent landmark event celebrating Women in Multilateralism, shed light on the Council of EuropeS commitment to fostering gender equality and empowering women in decision-making roles.
1. The Gathering at the Council of Europe
Senior Editor (SE): Dr. Navabi, you were present at the Council of Europe’s event celebrating Women in Multilateralism. can you share some key moments from that gathering?
Dr. Elara Navabi (DEN): Absolutely. the event was a powerful gathering of influential women leaders and advocates, held under the high patronage of the Council of Europe. The Informal Network of Women Deputies, in partnership with the Luxembourg Presidency, curated a dynamic discussion that echoed the Council’s commitment to gender equality, multilateralism, and equal opportunities.
2. Grassroots Change and the Impact of Women in Diplomacy
SE: Patrick Engelberg noted the transformative impact of increasing female representation in diplomacy.Can you elaborate on this?
DEN: Indeed, Mr. engelberg’s observations resonated with the panelists and attendees.Women bring unique perspectives to the table, fostering more open discussions and diminishing toxic male rivalries. Studies have shown that more diverse teams make better decisions up to 87% of the time. So, it’s not just about fairness, but also about improving the quality of multilateral dialogues.
3. The Dual Challenges of Multilateralism and Gender Gap
SE: Bjørn Berge highlighted the fragile multilateral system and the persistent gender gap. How can we address these interconnected challenges?
DEN: Mr. Berge’s assessment is spot on. The multilateral system is indeed fragile, and the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles exacerbates this. To tackle these challenges, we need tangible actions. This could be as simple as pledging not to participate in male-only panels, as Mr. Berge did, or advocating for stricter quotas for women’s representation. We also need to ensure that women’s voices are heard and valued in these forums, fostering an atmosphere of inclusivity and equal prospect.
4. Prominent Voices and Their Advice for the Future
SE: The event featured prominent leaders such as Marialena Tsirli, Gunn Jorid Roset, Anne Goedert, and Begoña Lasagabaster. What advice did they offer for the future?
DEN: These leaders underscored the transformative power of women in shaping multilateral dialogues and advancing equality. They advised us to keep pushing for progress, to keepcounting every woman’s voice, and to foster mentorship programs to ensure the next generation of women leaders can thrive. Their collective message was clear: there’s still work to be done, but with persistence and dedication, we can create a more inclusive and balanced future.
5. Dr. Navabi’s Call for Action
SE: What is your final message to our readers?
DEN: I echo the call made at the Council of Europe event.Let’s continue to celebrate women’s achievements, but also acknowledge the work still needed to bridge the gender gap. Every one of us can contribute to advancing gender equality in multilateral spaces. together, we can create a world where every voice is heard and valued, fostering a more equitable and peaceful future.
