Celebration of the International Day of Women in Diplomacy
“Shattering Glass Ceilings: Recognizing female diplomats’ contributions within the UN system”
24 June 2024
Remarks by the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
As a co-sponsor of the General Assembly resolution proclaiming the International Day of Women in Diplomacy Sri Lanka warmly welcomes the convening for the first time, of an event to celebrate the International Day of Women in Diplomacy at the UN in Geneva.
Today we honour and celebrate women leaders and diplomats and acknowledge their contribution to international diplomacy, and their role in the advancement of humanity in all spheres of activity. The developments in the 20th century including women`s suffrage and women rights movements, saw women emerging as leaders to play an active role in political, economic, social and cultural, scientific and technological fields, along with the increasingly prominent role of women as diplomats and leaders. Sri Lanka is proud to have produced the world's first elected female Prime Minister, the late Hon. Sirimavo Bandaranaike, who spearheaded progressive economic and social reforms in Sri Lanka and presided over the 5th NAM Summit in 1976, at a time when women leaders were scarce.
While women`s role in leadership positions have been progressively increasing, Sri Lankan diplomats have exceeded the gender parity and presently represent over 60% of the Sri Lankan Foreign Service.
Further, on all spheres of activity, level playing fields are being created to enhance the opportunities for women to enter the workforce, and rise up the ladder to become leaders, in corporate or government sectors or as entrepreneurs. Sri Lanka is in the process of further strengthening the national legal, policy and institutional framework to create an enabling environment for women’s participation and representation through removal of barriers across social, political, economic, cultural, and technical domains.
Women’s role as agents of change has been globally recognized. At a time when the world is grappling with multipronged challenges and uncertainties exacerbated by conflicts and effects of climate change, this event serves as an important platform to reaffirm our commitment to ensure active and equal participation of women at all levels of decision making, thus ensuring their active contribution towards sustainable development, peace, democracy, and diplomacy.
In this context, it is disconcerting to note that the number of women at leadership positions in the multilateral fora particularly in the UN has been low. Concerted efforts must be taken to ensure women´s participation in leadership roles in multilateral fora. In addition to their own standing as diplomats/experts/specialists, women diplomats in senior levels at multilateral fora are better placed to advance the rights of women and bring their unique perspectives to all areas of international focus.
In conclusion, Sri Lanka looks forward to continued focus in Geneva to advancing the role of women in diplomacy.
Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the UN in Geneva
24 June 2024
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