The US Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights (USIDHR) partnered with the International Defenders Council to host a landmark event on Monday, June 3, 2024, in honor of International Women in Diplomacy Day at the US Capitol, Rayburn House Office Building.
The occasion brought together a distinguished group of 17 diplomats, including 6 Ambassadors from Austria, Mauritania, Chad, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Armenia. Representatives from 11 Embassies and the European Union Delegation, along with 22 Congressional Staffers, also participated.
Olivia Cantu, representing the International Defenders Council, opened the event with a welcome address. She noted the critical role of women in diplomacy and legislative processes. In addition, she pointed to the positive impact of diversity on decision-making, leading to more effective solutions as it relates to women’s active participation. Thereafter, she invited the USIDHR Founder, Isabelle Vladoiu, to the podium to give her remarks.
Isabelle Vladoiu declared the gathering a call to action. She stressed the vital role women play in achieving lasting peace and development, urging participants to move beyond mere commemoration. She added that the event aimed to be a platform for sharing experiences, discussing challenges, and forging collaborative strategies to advance women’s leadership in diplomacy and legislative spheres. “In a world where global challenges are increasingly complex and multifaceted, the inclusion of women’s voices in diplomacy and legislative processes is not just beneficial, it’s essential. We are here because we recognize the undeniable impact that women have and have had in positions of power or influence,” Vladoiu stated.
Following these empowering words, H.E. Petra Schneebauer, Ambassador of Austria to the United States, shared the sad news of Austria’s first female Chancellor passing away which she received on her way to the meeting. Despite this, she expressed her delight over the recent elections of female Presidents in Mexico and Iceland. Ambassador Schneebauer, only the second woman to hold the position of Austrian Ambassador to the US, passionately advocated for gender equality and detailed several Austrian government initiatives promoting women’s empowerment. “The benefits of including women in diplomatic and legislative processes are undeniable. Studies show that mixed decision-making bodies lead to better and more sustainable outcomes. Women bring different perspectives, experiences, and skills to the table, enhancing the quality of decision-making and leading to more innovative solutions,” the Ambassador expressed.
Transitioning seamlessly from the preceding discourse, H.E. Kitoko Gata Ngoulou, the Ambassador of Chad, took the podium, amplifying the call for action. As the first woman and young diaspora appointee to lead Chad’s US mission, she emphasized the need for actionable strategies to dismantle barriers and create opportunities for women’s success. Stressing the importance of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and building a culture of inclusivity, she passionately declared, “Our focus must be on actionable strategies and not just on theories to overcome these challenges. We need to work together to dismantle these barriers and create an environment where women can be successful.”
Subsequently, H.E. Cisse Boide, Ambassador of Mauritania to the United States and the first female Ambassador of Mauritania to the US, acknowledged the historical contributions of women in diplomacy while urging continued progress. She provided some statistics on the increasing number of women in Mauritanian diplomacy and government, recognizing the need for further advancement. “As you know, women have always played an essential role in diplomacy, but their contributions have often been overlooked. It is time to recognize and celebrate the way in which women are breaking barriers and making a difference in the field of diplomacy,” Ambassador Cisse Boide conveyed.
Furthermore, H.E. Lilit Makunts, Ambassador of Armenia, added her voice to the conversation. She informed the audience of her role as the first female Ambassador of Armenia and the responsibility it carries to pave the way for future generations. She also talked about Armenia’s progress on gender representation in parliament while calling for solidarity among women leaders. “Solidarity between us is also very important” she expressed. “It is important that powerful countries also engage. And I am very grateful to the United States for the engagement from this perspective also in my country, and I look forward to many more engagements.”
H.E. Alejandra Solano Cabalceta, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Costa Rica to the Organization of American States, brought a Latin American perspective to the discussion as the last speaker for the day. “My main language is Spanish, and I am very honored to be adding that regional perspective, not only as a Latin American Representative but also as a Permanent Representative of Costa Rica in a multilateral organization, which is the Organization of American States,” she shared. Additionally, she elaborated on Costa Rica’s commitment to education, human rights, and gender parity, as she outlined the country’s achievements in these areas.
This was followed by an open discussion facilitated by Isabelle Vladoiu. Her questions focused on the challenges faced by women in diplomacy and legislative roles, and the pragmatic steps taken to overcome them. Judith Ann Cushman DuBose, Regional Director of USIDHR in Texas, in her response, pointed to the financial hurdles women face in political campaigns and the importance of mentorship programs.
Stephanie Paraiso, a USIDHR alumna, told the inspiring story of Leymah Gbowee, a Nobel Peace Prize winner from Liberia, who mobilized women to combat gender-based violence, ultimately leading to the establishment of a Gender Ministry in her country.
Other participants echoed these concerns and addressed the need for inclusive conversations and the value of diverse perspectives.
The gathering concluded with a networking lunch, building further connections and collaborative efforts to empower women in diplomacy and legislative processes on a global scale.
