Historically, women were largely excluded from formal diplomatic roles and international decision-making processes. However, the narrative has changed over time.

Women have broken barriers and expanded their presence across diplomatic services, international organisations, peace processes, and multilateral negotiations. Their contributions have strengthened efforts to promote peace, security, development, and human rights around the world.

Interestingly, women were key contributors who played essential parts in shaping the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) that for the first time in human history spells out basic civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights that all human beings, men and women alike, should enjoy.