Global Women Diplomats Advocate Gender Equality in Diplomatic Roles at BRICS CCI WE Roundtable

At the inaugural BRICS CCI WE, Trailblazers Dialogues Roundtable on Global Women Diplomats: Breaking Barriers; Shaping Global Affairs, female diplomats from diverse nations gathered to highlight the significance of gender equality in positions in international diplomacy. The occasion, which took place in the nation's capital, aimed to advance women's empowerment and equality in diplomatic endeavours.

The event was organized by BRICS CCI WE, The BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry's (BRICS CCI) women's vertical, with the goal of fostering trade and business ties between the BRICS nations and other friendly nations while also emphasising women's empowerment initiatives and policies across various geographies.

The majority of males have traditionally held diplomatic positions, however studies have shown that include women in diplomatic endeavours can result in less instability and conflict. Women continue to be underrepresented in ambassadorship roles globally, making up only 20% of all ambassadors in 2023, according to the Women in Diplomacy Index. In addition, women made up just 13% of negotiators, 6% of mediators, and 6% of signings in international peace processes between 1992 and 2019. In countries where there are conflicts, these figures are significantly lower.

The BRICS CCI's Director General, Dr. BBL Madhukar, emphasised the significance of giving women equal opportunity in representation and education. He observed that when women gain power, social constraints are progressively removed.

The BRICS CCI's chairman, R.K. Vishnoi, emphasised the indispensible place of women in diplomacy. He said that when women are involved in decision-making processes, the chances of resolving disagreements increase because they bring significant and life-changing ideas to the table.

The welcoming message was given by Ruby Sinha, President of BRICS CCI WE, who emphasised the significant contributions women have made to diplomacy throughout history. She advocated concerted efforts in the direction of a day when diplomatic efforts seamlessly include gender equality and women's empowerment. She further emphasised the importance of these conversations during a year in which India is serving as the G20's lead facilitator and focusing on all-encompassing and inclusive women-led development.

At the event, notable women diplomats participated, including Hagar Spiro-Tal, Deputy Ambassador of the Israeli Embassy in India, Ambassador Bizunesh Meseret, Deputy Head of Mission of the Ethiopian Embassy, Wathsala Amarasinghe, Minister Counsellor of the Sri Lankan High Commission, Amaranta Vandeperre, Third Secretary and Counsel of the Chilean Embassy, and Jalpa Ratna, Chief of Field Services at the UN Children's Fund. Shormishtha Ghosh, a member of the BRICS CCI's Governing Body, moderated the debates. The final address was given by former Indian ambassador and consul general Amb. Manju Seth (Retd.).

Hagar Spiro-Tal emphasised the significance of creating an agenda that includes women's representation and awareness in order to pave the road for gender equality as the diplomats expressed their perspectives and experiences. Wathsala Amarasinghe emphasised Sri Lanka's history of female leadership and democratic culture, while Bizunesh Meseret described Ethiopia's actions that have enhanced female engagement in diplomacy.

Amaranta Vandeperre emphasised Chile's successes in boosting women's engagement in diplomacy, while Jalpa Ratna from UNICEF emphasised the importance of elementary education for girls in promoting gender equality over the long term. Amb. Manju Seth called on males to support and empower women in all sectors, including diplomacy, as she voiced her desire for a time when gender equality is not a subject of conversation.

The Trailblazers Dialogues Roundtable on Global Women Diplomats was officially launched with a vote of appreciation from Shabana Nasim, Executive Director of BRICS CCI and Chief Patron of BRICS CCI WE.