International Day of Women in Diplomacy: Mrs. Bouayach Emphasizes Women’s Vital Role in Defending Human Rights through Diplomacy

In celebration of the International Day of Women in Diplomacy, which falls on June 24 of each year, Mrs. Amina Bouayach, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH), underscored the pivotal roles women have played in diplomacy over centuries, often overshadowed. She emphasized that women’s role and involvement are indispensable for advocating human rights through diplomacy.

Her statement was delivered during her participation in the commemoration of the International Day of Women in Diplomacy, organized on the sidelines of the 56th session of the Human Rights Council on “Shattering Glass Ceilings: Recognizing female diplomats' contributions within the UN system” on Monday, June 24, 2024, at the United Nations Headquarters in Geneva.

Celebrating this occasion, Mrs. Bouayach advocated for enhnaced women’s leadership in diplomacy to overcome human resources challenges. She shed light on Morocco’s experience with gender quota as a model demonstrating how inclusive representation can bring positive societal change and break stereotypes about women's roles. Empowering women’s leadership, she added, enhances the resilience of the entire society.

In the same context, CNDH Chairperson paid tribute to women who played a significant role in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, noting that “Women’s experiences and their profound insights into discrimination & violence significantly shaped a document that promotes equality, dignity and justice for all.”

Mrs. Bouayach stressed the importance of celebrating women not only on this day but every day. She urged the world to recognize and honor the remarkable contributions of women and women diplomats who champion peace, equality, global cooperation, and human rights. Their leadership and dedication, she emphasized, inspire a more inclusive and just world.

The event was organized by Mr. Omar Zniber, President of the Human Rights Council (HRC). Several distinguished figures participated in the meeting, including Mrs. Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), Mr. Dennis Francis, President of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Mrs. Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mrs. Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and Mrs. Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the International Trade Centre (ITC).

Human rights defenders, diplomats & delegates from different countries around the globe also took part in this significant event.