UN Marks 24 june 2025 International Day of Women in Diplomacy to Celebrate Gender Equity in Global Leadership.

On 24 June 2025, the United Nations (UN) observed the 3rd International Day of Women in Diplomacy (IDWID), focusing on promoting inclusive leadership, equitable participation of women in foreign affairs, and dismantling long-standing structural barriers. The day commemorates the contributions of women diplomats globally and highlights the urgency of gender parity in international governance.

      - The 2025 theme, "Eliminating Structural Barriers to Women's Leadership in Diplomacy," draws attention to the persistent inequalities women face in global policy, negotiations, peacekeeping, and high-level diplomatic postings.

      - The theme advocates for institutional reforms, targeted policy changes, and cultural shifts within government systems that enable women to lead in international relations.

      - The International Day of Women in Diplomacy was officially recognized through UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/76/269, passed during the 76th session on 20 June 2022. The first global observance took place on 24 June 2023, and the 2025 celebration marks the third edition of this important international day. The resolution was championed by the Maldives and co-sponsored by over 190 member states.

Main Point :-   (i) To mark the day, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and UN Women jointly released the 2025 “Women in Politics” map, an annual survey tracking gender representation in political leadership. According to the report, Nicaragua leads globally with 64.3% women in its national parliament, while India ranks 174th, with only 5.6% women representation, highlighting a major diplomatic and policy gap.

      (ii) The UN reiterated that increased women’s participation in diplomacy contributes to more effective conflict resolution, longer-lasting peace agreements, and diverse global representation. Yet, women continue to be underrepresented in roles such as ambassadors, foreign secretaries, and peace envoys, accounting for less than 25% of senior diplomatic positions globally.

(iii) In the Indian context, despite the rise of several notable women diplomats like Nirupama Rao and Ruchira Kamboj, overall gender parity remains low in foreign services. The 2025 IDWID observance called for stronger reforms in India and elsewhere, including implementing gender quotas, expanding training and mentorship for female diplomats, and prioritizing women’s inclusion in high-stakes multilateral negotiations.