Empowering Voices: International Day of Women in Multilateralism 2024

Political Power is the key to all social progress - B.R. Ambedkar

UNESCO inaugurated the International Day of Women in Multilateralism on 25th January 2022. It was spearheaded by the Ambassador of Gabon, H.E. Ms. Rachel Annick Ogoula Akiko. In November 2021, the 41st session of the UNESCO General Conference established this International Day. To completely understand women's contribution, we need a complete examination of the gender distribution of management teams and governing bodies in the top multilateral organizations worldwide. The world, as we know, is progressing to understand the importance of diversity and inclusivity. 

The International Day of Women In Multilateralism 2024 stands as an example highlighting the pivotal roles women play in the global world. It serves as a reminder that women raising their voices is not simply a question of justice but also a critical strategic need for creating a more equitable and resilient global community.

Few women have historically been able to access a place at the decision-making table in the predominantly male-dominated fields of international politics and global governance. Nonetheless, a greater number of women have held prominent roles in multilateral organizations like the United Nations and diplomatic missions in recent decades. India was the first nation to send a troop made up entirely of women to a UN peacekeeping assignment in 2007. 

Empowering Voices Across Borders

The theme “Empowering Voices”, highlights the value of women's contributions to multilateralism and captures the spirit of the occasion. Since the 1945 United Nations Charter was drafted and signed, women have been integral to global government. Women have been assuming an increasing number of prominent roles in UN agencies, national diplomatic missions, and various multilateral organizations. They have also been pushing for equal access to health care, education, and voting rights, as well as for gender equality, peace, and human rights.

Historians draw our attention to several extraordinary women who, without them, this historical Charter would not have been as inclusive as it is today. Prominent women like Eleanor Roosevelt played an instrumental role in drafting the Universal Declaration of

Human Rights. Women are increasingly taking up leadership roles, influencing legislation, and bringing about cross-border change in various international forums and organizations. Previously disregarded, their opinions are now crucial in forming the stories that will shape our common future as a global community.

Breaking Barriers in Multilateralism

This journey of women toward gender equality is characterized by both enduring obstacles and impressive advancements. There are several tales of women who have broken the glass ceiling and provide insights into their struggles, victories, and experiences. The cooperative strategy known as Multilateralism, in which several countries cooperate to address global issues, has encountered many difficulties. 

"Breaking Barriers in Multilateralism" examines how countries are overcoming hindrances to promote collaboration and manage common issues. The first step towards breaking barriers was taken by Sweden, which became the first country to introduce a framework for its “Feminist Foreign Policy” in 2014. 

A feminist foreign policy (FFP) is a multifaceted political paradigm that seeks to examine the harmful influences of capitalism, racism, colonialism, imperialism, heteronormativity, patriarchy, and militarism by elevating the experiences and agency of women and marginalized groups.

Impact on Global Agendas

An ideal time to assess how women's participation affects international agendas is the International Day of Women in Multilateralism. Women contribute distinct perspectives that enhance decision-making processes in a variety of contexts, including peacekeeping and climate action. The voices of women have spurred constructive change at the global level, demonstrating the real advantages of inclusivity in policymaking.

In Rwanda, the zipper system is applied, with women occupying every third post in the party. It is possible to make these changes for better results. Such adjustments can be made for improved outcomes. As far as India is concerned, the implementation of a gender quota in local government by the 73rd and 74th Amendment Acts has increased the proportion of women in leadership roles and provided them with access to mainstream politics.

UNESCO’s Commitment Towards Women’s Leadership

To help new generations of women broaden their perspectives and participate in the making of international choices that will affect gender equality in the fields of education, research, culture, communication, and information, UNESCO is dedicated to providing a worldwide platform. As demanded by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, UNESCO unites with its international partners to strive toward the Sustainable Development Goals for gender equality. Women's leadership is a cause these days. By tomorrow, it ought to be standard. Change in global peace and security is on its way.

In India’s Panchayat system, female pradhans have concentrated more on issues like domestic abuse, public bathrooms, and self-help groups. Currently, there are 24 women in the Rajya Sabha and 78 in the Lok Sabha overall. India was placed 149th out of 193 countries in an Inter-Parliamentary Union study regarding the proportion of women serving in the lower house of parliament. India has 14% representation in the Lok Sabha and 11% in the Rajya Sabha, even though women constitute half of the country's population. These numbers and stances show India’s growth but also raise questions like, is it enough? There are many obstacles and challenges in the way, but not anything that can't be worked on.

Challenges and Opportunities 

As we celebrate successes, we also need to recognize that women in multilateral settings continue to face chronic hurdles. We need to explore current obstacles, provide ideas for possible fixes, and promote ongoing initiatives to establish an inclusive environment where all voices can make significant contributions. Observing the International Day of Women in Multilateralism in 2024 requires us to look back on our achievements and look forward to the future. The need is to examine the possible course of women's involvement in multilateralism and highlight the necessity of persistent dedication and cooperation to create a society in which every voice is respected and heard.

“Empowering Voices: International Day of Women in Multilateralism 2024” honors the women who have led the way in bringing about change and inspiring upcoming generations to keep shattering stereotypes. Recognizing the role women play in setting global agendas helps to create a more effective and inclusive multilateral system, which in turn promotes a society in which diversity is valued and every voice matters in the pursuit of a brighter future.