CSW67: Head of UN Women leads Karama Women’s Day event
Photos: Bryan Bedder / Getty Images for Chloe Franses
Dr Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women, discussed her experience as a leader in the UN system at Karama’s event to mark International Women’s Day.
Held during the 67th Commission on the Status of Women in New York, the event brought together women activists from across Africa and the Arab region with diplomats, senior UN staff, with a guest intervention from fashion designer Tala Alamuddin.
In her speech to the event, Dr Sima Bahous spoke about the continuing resistance she still encounters as a champion for women’s rights and womens’ agendas. Dr Bahous’ remarks called into question the extent to which women’s rights have become part of mainstream diplomat discourse, noting that she still experiences eye-rolling responses from certain quarters when she raises gender issues.
The meeting then welcomed the Permanent Representative of Ireland, Ambassador Fergal Mythen. The Ambassador reflected on the history of women’s political participation in Ireland, noting that though the country’s first full cabinet included a woman among its ministers, it was another 60 years before the second woman to serve in government would be appointed.
Tala Alamuddin, Founder of TALA, said the event was a joyous moment, and a demonstration of the immense power of international cooperation. She emphasized the need to continue to ensure the participation of women at the highest levels of diplomacy.