The UN Resident Coordinator Celebrates International Women’s Day with the Regional Service Centre Entebbe (RSCE)

The theme for the event was; “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world,” celebrating the incredibly hard work done by women and girls around the world, including women leaders and women’s organizations, in shaping a more equal future and in the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prominent women leaders who were part of the panel included: Ms. Suzette Schultz, Chief of Service; Ms. Chhaya Kapilashrami, Director of the Human Resources Services Division; Ms. Linda Forsberg, Change Catalyst and Irene Zulu-Chabala, from the Regional Service Centre Entebbe.

During the discussion, the UNRC recognized that the COVID-19 pandemic, “has been detrimental in the progress made towards a more equal future.” Women in Africa, specifically rural women, bear the brunt of the pandemic; with 60 percent of women working in the informal economy, an insecure labor market. Thus, women are increasingly more vulnerable to poverty. It is estimated that 47 million more women are likely to fall into poverty due to the pandemic.

According to preliminary global studies, women account for over 70 percent of COVID-19 infections among healthcare workers; representative of their share in the total healthcare workforce. Yet, they account for less than a third of all deaths among health workers.

“These statistics are some of many which demonstrate the courage and resilience of women,” stated Ms Ndongo-Seh. “[Women’s] sacrifices are not in vain, and their daily courage, bravery and incredible strength are glowing lights in what feels like a dark storm,” she continued.

In 2018, only 23 percent of judges worldwide were women and in 2013, 12.7 percent of parliament seats were held by women.

“We need women in senior leadership to bring to the attention of decision-makers that indeed, women’s prospects for prosperity are much less than those of men. Who will fight for our daughters and granddaughters? We will and we are,” said the Resident Coordinator.

The RC concluded her discussion with leadership lessons that she learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying: “I have learned that courage, kindness and perseverance are some of the greatest attributes that a person can have.”

The RSCE prides itself in providing a platform for staff in political and peacekeeping field missions, to enable both women and men to serve and impact the UN humanitarian agenda equally meaningfully.