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L. Gashi: Address to Peace Summit 2023, Session IV-C
Written by Hon. Liza Gashi, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Kosovo
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
Address to Peace Summit 2023
May 2-5, 2023
Good afternoon, esteemed participants, distinguished speakers, and fellow leaders. I am honored to be here today to speak on the topic “Women’s Leadership towards a World Culture of Peace.”
As we gather here today to discuss contemporary challenges to global order, it is important that we recognize the critical role that women play in building a world culture of peace. Women have historically been underrepresented in positions of power, and this has had a negative impact on peace and security. Women are often the most affected by conflict and violence, and they have unique perspectives on how to prevent and resolve conflicts.
It is essential that we work towards a world where women are empowered to lead in all sectors of society. We must break down the barriers that prevent women from accessing leadership positions, and we must ensure that women’s voices are heard in all decision-making processes. When women are given the tools, resources and opportunities to be effective leaders, they can contribute toward building a more peaceful and just world.
Diplomacy plays a major role in peacebuilding and resolving conflicts, and it is through my perspective working in diplomacy that I approach this topic. I must say, historically, diplomacy has been a male-dominated sector, but fortunately, in recent years this trend has changed for the better. In my country, Kosova, our diplomacy is led by two diligent and powerful women: Mrs. Vjosa Osmani Sadriu as the President of our Republic, and Mrs. Donika Gërvalla-Schwartz, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora.
As a woman in politics and a Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, I believe that women have an important role to play in diplomacy and through it in advancing peace and development in the world. Women’s life experience in a patriarchy juxtaposed with a political environment that is still considered to be a “man’s world” brings forward a relatively new and unique approach to politics that is yet to be explored and developed. Starting from advocacy for gender equality to international politics and peace, I see a lot of potential for progress with women leaders in advancing peace and development in the world.
The participation of women in leadership roles brings diverse perspectives, skills and talents to the table, and contributes to more effective and inclusive decision-making processes.
As a woman in a position of power in the field of diplomacy, I see women’s inclusion in leadership roles contributing in several different aspects:
1. Better representation
Women make up half of the world’s population, and their inclusion in peace-building processes ensures that their voices and perspectives are represented in shaping policies and solutions to global challenges. Women have been shown to be effective agents of change in areas such as education, health and poverty reduction. When women are empowered to lead in these areas, they can contribute to building stronger and more resilient communities. Women’s unique experiences, perspectives and insights can offer fresh approaches to addressing complex diplomatic issues and contribute to more inclusive and holistic solutions.
2. Improving gender equality
It is apparent that women’s path to becoming leaders is very different and filled with inequalities, which brings forth unique perspectives and experiences to challenges facing communities across the field. Our experience puts us in a position where we actively advocate for gender equality wherever we are. Through inclusion in leadership roles, our advocacy can reach further than ever and our impact can really make a difference.
3. Peace and Security
Women often have a different approach to conflict resolution, focusing on dialogue, reconciliation and addressing root causes of conflicts. Women leaders can contribute to conflict prevention, mediation and resolution efforts, and promote peace and security at local, national and international levels.
Studies have shown that when women are involved in peace negotiations, there is a higher likelihood of a peace agreement being reached and lasting for longer periods of time. This is because women bring a focus on human security, a concern for marginalized and vulnerable populations, and a commitment to long-term peace and stability.
4. Inclusiveness and diversity
All fields, including peacebuilding and diplomacy, should reflect the diversity of the societies they represent. In diplomacy women can contribute to a more inclusive and diverse diplomatic corps, bringing different perspectives, cultural sensitivities, and communication styles to diplomatic engagements. This can lead to enhanced understanding, trust-building and cooperation among nations and foster better relations between countries. This is extremely important in promoting and fostering a more peaceful future. Furthermore, women’s participation in diplomacy can serve as a powerful source of inspiration for future generations of women and girls, encouraging them to pursue careers in international relations, diplomacy and leadership roles. Women leaders can act as role models, breaking barriers and challenging gender norms, and paving the way for more women to join the diplomatic corps and other traditionally male-dominated fields.
In order to build a world culture of peace, it is essential that we work towards gender equality and the empowerment of women. This means ensuring that women have access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities. It means breaking down cultural and societal barriers that prevent women from accessing leadership positions. And it means ensuring that women’s voices are heard in all decision-making processes.
In conclusion, I believe that women’s leadership in all fields of life is essential to achieving a world culture of peace. Women bring unique perspectives, experiences and skills to the table, and they can contribute to building a more peaceful and just world. It is up to all of us to work towards gender equality and the empowerment of women. When we do so, we will be one step closer to achieving a world culture of peace.
Let’s make sure that a future where women in power are not just an example to look up to, but a norm of the present and future, comes about.
Thank you!
To go to the Peace Summit 2023 Schedule page, click here.