International Day of Women in Diplomacy

Why This Day Matters

Here’s what we know: from 1992 to 2019, only 13% of peace negotiators were women. Even fewer—just 6%—acted as mediators or signatories in formal peace processes.

That’s according to the United Nations. Despite countless headlines about progress, women still represent just 5% of chief mediators today. Those aren’t just numbers—they tell us something vital is missing.

And here’s the twist: when women do take part in these talks, the outcomes tend to last longer. One study showed that peace agreements involving women have a 35% greater chance of lasting at least 15 years.

So it’s not about ticking boxes. It’s about making smarter, more lasting decisions.

How to Celebrate International Day of Women in Diplomacy

Here are practical ideas to mark the International Day of Women in Diplomacy with purpose and respect:

Host an inspiring public talk

Invite a woman diplomat, mediator, or scholar to share personal stories and explain her journey. Mix audience Q&A with honest dialogue. This connects listeners with real experience and breaks stereotypes.

Showcase creative digital stories

Ask people to record short interviews starting with “Why diplomacy matters to me” for social media. Stitch clips into a video to share globally. That gives hidden voices a moment to shine and builds empathy.

Launch a youth mentorship circle

Partner with schools or universities to link young women with female diplomatic mentors. Run online sessions where students can ask about careers, challenges, and hopes. This opens doors and builds networks.

Display facts with art

Set up infographics or posters in public spaces showing how women improve peace durability by 20–35 % when included in talks. Add portraits of female envoys. This fuses data and faces.

Facilitate a listening workshop

Invite community members to discuss local or global issues in a workshop format. Let women lead sessions. Gather feedback on how inclusion changes outcomes. This puts theory into practice.

Organize a book or film club

Pick a memoir or documentary featuring a woman diplomat or negotiator. Meet to discuss its message and lessons. This sparks learning while entertaining.

History of the International Day of Women in Diplomacy

The International Day of Women in Diplomacy began in 2022 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to create it.

The idea was led by Maldivian Ambassador Thilmeeza Hussain, who brought strong support from around the world.

A total of 191 countries backed the resolution, showing wide agreement. This day now falls on June 24 each year. It was created to highlight the work of women in diplomatic roles and to call for more equal representation in international talks.

The numbers that sparked the resolution tell a clear story. From 1992 to 2019, women made up just 13% of peace negotiators. Only 6% served as mediators or signed peace agreements during that time.

Even today, many leadership roles in diplomacy are still held by men. This day gives recognition to women who work in embassies, lead peace talks, or help shape foreign policy. It also pushes governments and global groups to support women in these careers.

Every June, the UN and other organizations share data, host events, and offer public talks. These activities aim to raise awareness and open more doors.

The day may be new, but its message is powerful—and long overdue.