To celebrate International Women’s Day and the contribution of women in multilateral Geneva, the EU Delegation invited 6 female Ambassadors to a conversation with trainees and young professionals of Permanent Missions, UN agencies and other international organisation based in Geneva. The event was organised and moderated by trainees of the EU Delegation in an effort to empower and include young voices in the multilateral arena. This #interNconnected event brought together a record high of 150 participants, young women and men aspiring to work in the international sphere.  The event facilitated an informal and intimate dialogue with the audience and the Ambassadors,  which evolved around their personal stories, their observations and obstacles they faced as women on their career paths. 

Ambassador Lotte Knudsen, Head of the EU Delegation in Geneva, delivered opening remarks emphasising the importance of mentorship and supporting the younger female generation in multilateralism.

“International Women's Day should not be seen only as a day of celebration, but as a day of commitment and fight for the rights of women around the world. This includes also to empower and support our future female leaders, who certainly sit among us today.” –  EU Ambassador Lotte Knudsen, Head of the EU Delegation in Geneva.

The panel was included remarks from six Ambassadors, including Ambassador Lamia Fathi Abusedra from the Permanent Mission of Libya, Ambassador Himalee Arunatilaka from the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka, Ambassador Caroline Bwanali Permanent Mission of Malawi, Ambassador Bathsheba N. Crocker from the Permanent Mission of the U.S., Ambassador Rina Yessenia Lozano Gallegos from the Permanent Mission of El Salvador and Ambassador Maira Mariela Macdonal Alvarez from the Permanent Mission of Bolivia. Each of them shared personal anecdotes and insights, shedding light on the various challenges women encounter in their professional life. Their narratives were diverse and compelling, ranged from navigating motherhood and societal expectations to participating in activist movements and political revolutions. Throughout the discussion, sisterhood and allyship emerged as central topics, underscoring the importance of supporting each other and standing in solidarity in overcoming the systematic barriers women face in all societies around the globe. While all of their stories are unique, they nevertheless show an underlying common thread that is in line with the latest UN figures: UN Women estimates that, at the current rate of progress, it will take 286 years for the world to achieve gender equality. This is clearly not acceptable!

“The Future is Female” once again reminds us of the importance of having informal conversations to shorten the distance between generations, fostering mentorship opportunities and facilitating the exchange of experiences.

“A successful women should serve as a ladder for other women to climb” – Ambassador Caroline Bwanali, Permanent Mission of Malawi.

“Linear career paths are not to be expected—embrace a wandering path as it gives you the experience, exposure, and grit you’ll need to excel in whatever you choose to do. You don’t have to have it all figured out today, in one year, or even in five years, but do have the courage to go after opportunities that will help build foundational experiences that serve as a launch pad for the rest of your life.” - Ambassador Bathsheba Crocker, Permanent Mission of the United States.

"Education and awareness are key to empowering women to engage in public debate and decision making roles."  - Ambassador Himalee Arunatilaka, Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka.

"It is a delicate balance between representing your country's interests and fulfilling your social duties. Women have to support women, this is not about women's rights this is simply because the world will become a better place when women are around the table." - Ambassador Lamia Fathi Abusedra, Permanent Mission of Libya