A Global Call for Inclusive Governance
“The International Day of Women in Multilateralism” is observed every year on 25 January and was established by UNESCO in 2021. Despite women’s extensive participation in fields such as global health, education, and social services, significant disparities continue in leadership positions. Women represent ~70% of the worldwide health workforce but hold only ~25% of senior health leadership roles. Fewer than 10% of permanent representatives to the UN are women. Nature did not define social roles, but societies did. And societies can redefine them when required. Representation is necessary, but insufficient. Multilateralism adds the dimension of global influence, collaboration, and institution-building. As Kiran Bedi says, “Let the woman not simply be equal; let her excel”. This observation of “The International Day of Women in Multilateralism”is not merely ceremonial—it is a call to action.
Urgent and Resolute Action Is Needed To Demonstrate That Gender Equality Is Not Just A Moral Imperative But A Strategic Necessity.
Simona-Mirela Miculescu
(President of the 42nd session of the General Conference)
“The International Day of Women in Multilateralism” is observed every year on 25 January and was established by UNESCO in 2021. The observation advocates increased representation of women in key decision-making positions that shape and implement multilateral agendas and ensuring that multilateralism works for women and girls through gender-transformative actions and agreements.
Despite women’s extensive participation in fields such as global health, education, and social services, significant disparities continue in leadership positions. Women represent ~70% of the worldwide health workforce but hold only ~25% of senior health leadership roles. Less than 10% of the UN’s permanent representatives are women. This imbalance undermines SDG5, which calls for full participation and equal leadership opportunities for women.
Countries with consistently strong gender equality in government (e.g., Nordic countries) often perform better in multilateral settings. Countries with many women in domestic leadership roles (like Iceland) are more likely to appoint women to multilateral positions.
Ancient Indian texts present a complex and evolving picture of women’s roles. In early periods—especially the Vedic era—women enjoyed significant rights, intellectual status, and active participation in religious, social, and even political life. It is said in the Manusmriti, “Where women are respected, there the gods delight, and where they are not, there all works, and efforts come to nought”. Over time, a shift in the position is seen.
Gender Inequality Comes from Systems,
Not Just Individuals.
Though the male ego is one of the contributing factors, inequality is shaped by a much broader system, including history (centuries-old patriarchal systems), culture, economics, social norms, and institutional structures. Traditional roles emerged from circumstances, not nature. Biologically, men and women have some natural differences. As societies urbanised and kingdoms formed, gender roles became rigid. Modernisation disrupts old roles, and this can create conflict. We are moving from a world of rigid roles to a world of shared roles. Conflict happens not because change is wrong, but because transitions are uncomfortable. Nature did not define social roles, but societies did. And societies can redefine them when needed. The change creates tension. What’s happening today is a mismatch between old expectations (men dominate, women support) and new realities (women participate equally in education, work, politics).
There are societies like the Mosuo (China), often called the “Kingdom of Women”, and one of the world’s most famous matriarchal societies. Minangkabau (Indonesia) is the world’s largest matrilineal society. There are states like Kerala, which are matriarchal societies.
Domination is not “naturally male” — it varies widely by species. In the animal kingdom, too, the dominance of a particular sex exists. There are male-dominant hierarchies (e.g., lions, gorillas), Female-dominant hierarchies (e.g., hyenas, elephants, bonobos), and shared or fluid dominance (e.g., many bird species, penguins, wolves).
Representation is numerical; are women there or not?It does not necessarily address whether they influence global systems or agendas. “Multilateralism” is about international cooperation and governance. Representation is necessary, but insufficient. Multilateralism adds the dimension of global influence, collaboration, and institution-building.
Let the Woman Not Simply Be Equal; Let Her Excel
As Kiran Bedi says, “Let the woman not simply be equal; let her excel”. This observation of “The International Day of Women in Multilateralism”is not merely ceremonial—it is a call to action.
Toons: Anusha
Logs: M Sai Baba
ToonLogs
