Statement by India at Celebration of the International Day of Women in Diplomacy “Shattering Glass Ceilings: Recognizing female diplomats' contributions within the UN system” at the 56th session of Human Rights Council (18 June – 12 July 2024) delivered by Ms. Suman Sonkar, First Secretary, PMI, Geneva, 24 June 2024
Mr. President
It is a great privilege to be here with all distinguished colleagues on the International Day of Women in Diplomacy, as we celebrate our successes and achievements.
- India has traditionally encouraged, supported and promoted participation of women in all fields, including in Diplomacy. On this day, let me once again recall the contributions of Hansa Mehta from India, who played a pivotal role in changing the phrase “All men are born free and equal” to “All human beings are born free and equal” in Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights(UDHR) in the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in 1947-48,
- Over the last several years we have seen women rising to the ranks of Foreign Secretaries, negotiating complex security and economic questions and proving their versatility and strength as they continue to successfully navigate responsibilitie and break glass-ceiling as part of the Indian Foreign Service. Today, 25 percent of India's diplomatic corps is made up of women and the numbers are only increasing.
- India believes that apart from gender equality and diversity, women bring a unique perspective to diplomacy. We have this innate ability to negotiate, resolve conflict and a human rights based approach to the decision making process.
- India remains committed to gender equality, women's empowerment and gender mainstreaming, including in the World of Diplomacy. There is no looking back now.
I thank You.
