The SARChI Chair: African Diplomacy and Foreign Policy and Qatar-South Africa Centre for Peace and Intercultural Understanding (CPIU) at the University of Johannesburg hosted a Roundtable discussion under the theme, Women and Peace Diplomacy in a Fractured World Order.
Prof Bhaso Ndzendze , Vice-Dean of Internationalisation, Faculty of Humanities opened the event on behalf of Prof Kamilla Naidoo, emphasising the importance of such dialogues in keeping speed with global humanitarian issues. He paid tribute to Shireen Abu Akleh, a Palestian-American journalist who was murdered in 2022 by Israeli forces while covering a raid on the Jenin refugee camp in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Prof. Ndzendze describing her as an emblem of courage and resilience, a woman who stood at the forefront of conflict and crisis.
The panel featured seasoned diplomats and activists who shared personal experiences from their careers in diplomacy and civil society. Longtime activist Maria del Rosario Mina-Rojas Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia highlighted the gender imbalance in these male-dominated spaces, recalling moments where she was the only woman speaker and how she boldly challenged that norm. She urged women to be bold and use their knowledge and experience to promote peace through diplomacy. “Women need to become leaders in their communities and should not be driven by ego. Therefore, we need to be decision makers because we have a lot to give.” Said Mira-Rojas.
Hannan Jarrar, Ambassador of the State of Palestine spoke about the perception of Palestinian women. She said the world used to view women in Palestine as victims instead of strong and with a voice. She lamented the absence of women in Palestinian negotiations, connecting it to conservative societal norms. She said this must be challenged, and women must apply pressure and demand inclusion. She ended with the words “Confidence is contagious, so when women support each other amazing things happen.”
Androulla Kaminara, distinguished Fellow (Non-Resident) at Georgetown University Qatar, EU Ambassador to Pakistan (Retired) shared her approach to dismantling stereotypes by fighting the myths. She described efforts to increase the visibility of women in the European Union and other institutions, framing representation as a strategic tool for transformation.
The panel offered valuable insights for women pursuing careers in diplomacy. They reiterated that women must be fearless and not driven by ego. “Ladies have everything including a voice but that voice must be heard,” said Hanan Jarrar.
In her closing remarks, Prof. Lisa Otto, Deputy Director of the SARChI Chair: African Diplomacy and Foreign Policy reminded the audience that women have never been mere observers in diplomatic spaces. They have always been involved in negotiations, reinforcing the importance of visibility and agency.
The discussion concluded with a set of powerful recommendations such as representation and transformation, diplomacy being an inspiration rooted in empathy and solidarity being critical in shaping meaningful change.
“Where women lead, peace endures.”
