AU Panel of the Wise Lady Justice Effie Owour, United Nations office at Nairobi director-general Zainab Bangura, Diaspora affairs principal secretary Roseline Njogu, former foreign affairs minister and Taita Taveta university chancellor Dr. Sally Kosgei and moderator and University of Nairobi institute of diplomacy and international studies lecturer Dr. Winnie Rugutt at a panel discussion during the African women in diplomacy at IRSK annual conference at Best Western Plus Meridian hotel, Westlands om October 3, 2024/LEAH MUKANGAI
Women have been challenged to take up available positions in diplomacy, peacebuilding and security dialogues to build stronger and more resilient societies.
Speaking during a panel discussion
themed “Inspiring the Future: African
Women in Diplomacy,” held in Nairobi on Friday, experts emphasised the
need for women to take their rightful place at decision-making tables, where
global and regional policies are shaped.
United Nations Office at Nairobi director general Zainab Bangura
said her own rise from poverty to global leadership was driven by a
determination to fight for women’s rights and visibility.
“I grew up in poverty and I
understand the pain and indignity of being poor. That fuelled my fight for
women’s rights,” she said.
“If you are not at the decision-making table, you are on the menu.”
Bangura urged women to maintain high
standards, build networks and show excellence in their fields.
“Do things in extraordinary ways to
gain recognition and respect. You don’t need to be liked but you must be
respected,” she said.
Other panelists included Lady Justice Effie Owuor of the AU
Panel of the Wise, Diaspora Affairs PS
Roseline Njogu and former Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Sally Kosgei.
Kosgei, who became the first
woman Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, recounted her
journey through a male-dominated field.
“Do not take everything as an
insult, use it to your advantage. Be the most knowledgeable person in the room,”
she advised.
Justice Owuor urged women to support
one another and embrace hard work.
“Africa is not about sitting in
offices in designer clothes. There’s no death certificate that says the cause
of death is hard work,” she quipped.
PS Njogu encouraged women aspiring
to join diplomacy to be bold, patriotic and persistent.
“Leadership is not for the
faint-hearted. Move with boldness, pursue your path relentlessly and be useful
in pushing the national agenda forward,” she said.
Australia’s Defence Attaché to the
African Union, Capt Heidi Knellwolf,
praised African women’s growing role in diplomacy and peacebuilding.
“When women participate fully in
diplomacy, peace processes and security dialogues, the outcomes are more
durable and societies become stronger,” she said.
Knellwolf highlighted Australia’s
progress in promoting gender parity in its Foreign Affairs department, noting
that women now hold the majority of executive roles.
The event, hosted by the International Relations Society of Kenya
(IRSK), also recognised and awarded panelists for their contributions to
diplomacy and women’s empowerment.
Officials lead in cake-cutting during the African Women in Diplomacy at IRSK annual conference at Best Western Plus Meridian hotel, Westlands on Friday /LEAH MUKANGAI
