International Day of Women in Diplomacy: Celebrating Leadership and Inclusion 🌍

June 24 marks the International Day of Women in Diplomacy, a day dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the critical contributions of women in shaping international relations and advancing peace, security, and cooperation. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2022, this observance reminds us that while progress has been made, much work remains to ensure women’s full and equal participation in diplomacy.

Despite decades of advocacy, women still represent a small fraction of those in high-level diplomatic roles. Between 1992 and 2019, women comprised only 13% of negotiators and 6% of mediators or signatories in major peace processes. The gender gap persists at the highest levels of decision-making, with fewer than 40% of Security Council members being women and only four women ever having served as Presidents of the UN General Assembly. This imbalance matters—not just symbolically—but because inclusive diplomacy leads to stronger outcomes: better legislation, more sustainable peace, and increased social cohesion.

The 2024 UN theme, Women’s Leadership in Multilateral Diplomacy, highlights the need for collective efforts to address structural and cultural barriers that limit women’s advancement. Around the world, positive initiatives are beginning to shift the landscape. In the United Kingdom, senior diplomats such as Dame Karen Pierce and Dame Laura Popescu have emphasized the importance of mentorship, flexible career pathways, and addressing institutional biases. Similarly, North Macedonia, working with UN Women, has made strides toward embedding feminist principles in its foreign policy, setting a precedent for gender-responsive diplomacy.

At Silver Linings International, we are deeply aligned with these global efforts. We believe that true equity in diplomacy—and in all forms of leadership—requires more than simply opening doors; it requires building supportive structures that enable women to thrive once inside. This means creating mentorship networks that lift emerging leaders, ensuring policies that allow for work-life balance such as job sharing and family supports, and tackling the cultural narratives that continue to place unfair burdens on women in leadership.

Our work focuses on empowering individuals and organizations to challenge bias, center equity, and create environments where all voices are heard and valued. We believe that when diplomacy reflects the full diversity of humanity, it leads to more just, peaceful, and resilient outcomes for all.

The International Day of Women in Diplomacy is not just a celebration—it is a call to action. Let us honor the achievements of women in diplomacy not only with words, but with concrete steps: by advocating for inclusive policies, amplifying underrepresented voices, and committing to cultural change that supports equity at every level. Together, we can help build a world where diplomacy truly belongs to everyone.