In an interview with PassBlue, Plataforma CIPÓ’s Executive Director, Maiara Folly, analyzed the resistance of some countries to the idea of a female UN Secretary-General. She emphasized that despite opposition from the United States, nearly half of UN Member States have already expressed support for including gender equality as a criterion in selecting the organization’s next leader.
The article highlights the impact of the U.S. stance at the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), held at the UN in March. The U.S. government has adopted a position against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, which, according to Folly, presents a major challenge to the selection of a woman as Secretary-General.
“In the current climate of increasing hostility toward the Diversity, Inclusion, and Equality agenda, securing the selection of a woman as the next UN Secretary-General will be a significant challenge.”
She also stressed that while the U.S. has been vocal in its opposition, an increasing number of Member States are advocating for an all-female shortlist for António Guterres’ succession.
“While the United States has been vocal in its opposition, an increasing number of Member States are publicly advocating for an all-female shortlist for the position. Expanding this coalition and encouraging more Member States to take a public stance in favor of a female Secretary-General is essential.”
This year’s Commission on the Status of Women also marked the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a key document in the fight for gender equality. However, activists pointed to setbacks in areas such as reproductive rights and economic justice, exacerbated by the reluctance of some governments to acknowledge the term “gender” in negotiations.
