Women in diplomacy 2025: Diplomats reimagine global leadership

What does it truly take to shift the face of diplomacy in a world where it has long been viewed as a man’s domain? That narrative is rapidly changing, and women are at the centre of this transformation, as demonstrated during the 2025 Women in Diplomacy Day, celebrated in June 2025 in Nairobi. Women leaders, diplomats, and young voices came together to reflect on their journeys and renew their commitment to building a more inclusive future in global leadership.

Held under the theme, “Women in Leadership and Diplomacy, The Journey Towards Beijing+30,” the International Day of Women in Diplomacy brought together key partners including the Embassy of China, the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), and the Women Leaders Network (WLN), with UN Women as secretariat. The event moved beyond celebration to become a platform for truth-telling, inspiration, and action as Kenya and the global community look ahead to the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration.

Reflecting on the journey

In her opening remarks, Ms. Antonia N’gabala-Sodonon, UN Women Country Representative for Kenya, highlighted the progress made since the 1995 Beijing Platform for Action. “From Beijing in 1995 to Nairobi in 2025, the journey has been about resilience, transformation, and advocacy. But we still have work to do,” she said.

Her sentiments were echoed by several distinguished guests, including Chinese Ambassador to Kenya H.E. Ms. Guo Haiyan, UNON Director-General and WLN Chair Dr. Zainab Hawa Bangura, and Ms. Njambi Kinyungu, Director of Multilateral Affairs at Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs. They all emphasized that women's inclusion in diplomacy isn’t just about fairness—it’s essential for peace and progress.

Stories of strength and experience

A highlight of the day was the intergenerational storytelling session. Seasoned female ambassadors, including H.E. Romy Tincopa (Peru), H.E. Moravia Peralta-Hernandez (Venezuela), H.E. Marie Charlotte Tang (Philippines), H.E. Callista Jennie Mutharika (Malawi), and H.E. Winpeg Moyo (Zimbabwe), shared personal stories of ambition, challenges, and leadership.

Veteran Kenyan diplomat, Prof. Amb. Maria Nzomo, delivered a thought-provoking talk on the legacy of the 1985 UN Women’s Conference in Nairobi. “Beijing+30 is not just a celebration,” she said, “it’s a reminder to dismantle old systems and build inclusive leadership.”

Young women at the centre

The event also gave young women a platform to speak. Yvette Ruth Ariwo, a university student, offered heartfelt reflections on being a young African woman pursuing diplomacy. During the Q&A session, students and junior professionals engaged directly with the senior diplomats, asking questions and sharing their own ideas for a more inclusive future.

Turning talk into action

This event is part of a broader movement led by the UN Kenya WLN, chaired by Dr. Zainab Hawa Bangura and supported by UN Women, to push for more women in leadership as the world looks toward Beijing+30. Today, only 21 per cent of foreign ministers and chief negotiators globally are women, despite growing evidence that inclusive diplomacy leads to stronger peace, cooperation, and development outcomes.

However, barriers persist, from cultural biases to online harassment and shrinking civic spaces. These challenges demand urgent action, stronger networks, and reforms that protect and uplift women in public leadership.

The future is female, and inclusive

The key message from the event was clear: diplomacy needs to reflect the world it serves. By lifting each other up and supporting platforms like the Women Leaders Network, we can build a diplomatic world that is inclusive, bold, and fair.

As we move toward 2030, UN Women remains committed to making sure women in diplomacy are no longer the exception, but the standard.