On 18 June, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to the African Union and Head of the United Nations Office to the African Union, Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, participated in an event marking the International Day of Women in Diplomacy and the Gender Parity Pledges Ceremony, convened by the Women in Diplomacy in Ethiopia Network (WIDEN) in Addis Ababa.
Held under the framework of the Panel Parity Pledge, the event brought together representatives of the diplomatic community, the African Union, the United Nations system, and the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to reaffirm the importance of women’s equal representation in diplomacy, public dialogue and decision-making spaces.
In his closing remarks, SRSG Onanga-Anyanga commended the leadership of WIDEN and partners in advancing the establishment of the International Gender Champions Addis Ababa Chapter, describing the initiative as timely and essential in the current global context.
He noted that progress on gender equality is facing renewed pressure, including increasing resistance to women’s rights and declining resources for programmes dedicated to women and girls. Against this backdrop, he emphasized that sustained leadership, institutional accountability and measurable commitments are necessary to protect hard-won gains and accelerate progress.
“The establishment of the International Gender Champions Chapter in Addis Ababa represents a strategic platform to galvanize leadership, translate commitments into tangible action and reinforce accountability,” he said.
Mr. Onanga-Anyanga paid tribute to the leadership of Ambassador Ricarda Chanda of Switzerland, Ambassador Olivia Leslie of Ireland, Ambassador Olivia Owen of New Zealand, the Ambassador of Poland, Ms. Rita Bissoonauth, Representative of UNESCO to the African Union and UNECA, and Ms. Doris Mpoumou, Special Representative of UN Women to the African Union and UNECA, whose collective efforts helped advance the initiative.
Looking ahead, he underscored two key next steps: broadening the network and securing concrete, measurable pledges ahead of the official launch of the Addis Ababa Chapter at the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence later this year; and defining the strategic direction and priorities of the network through its steering committee.
The event also featured remarks by senior representatives including the Minister of Women and Social Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, and the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ethiopia.
SRSG Onanga-Anyanga joined the call for participants and institutions to make bold and measurable commitments to advance gender equality within their respective organizations and spheres of influence.
The International Day of Women in Diplomacy serves as a reminder that inclusive diplomacy is not only a matter of representation, but also a requirement for more effective, legitimate and responsive decision-making. Through its engagement, UNOAU reaffirmed its support for gender equality, women’s leadership and stronger partnerships that advance inclusive peace, security and diplomacy across the continent.
