In Colombia, UN Women Executive Director galvanizes action for women’s leadership and gender equality

The mission came as a new government took office, led by President Gustavo Petro and Vice President Francia Márquez, the country’s first female vice president of African descent. The new government has pledged to prioritize gender equality and achieve gender parity in cabinet appointments. To date, for the 18 government ministries, nine women have been appointed ministers. In his inaugural address on August 7, President Petro reaffirmed that gender parity was a high priority for the new government.

Meetings held during the mission highlighted Colombia’s progress towards gender equality and women’s empowerment, while emphasizing that significant progress must be made to achieve SDG 5 and unlock the full potential of women. women and girls to advance the SDGs, including in relation to peace and peace. security as the country continues to implement its peace agreement.

In a meeting with Vice President Francia Márquez, the latter highlighted to Ms. Bahous the importance of intersectional approaches, including a focus on strengthening support for indigenous and Afro-descendant communities in Colombia. For her part, Ms. Bahous commended the Vice-President for her historic achievement as the first woman of African descent in the country to hold the position, and pledged UN Women’s strong support for the gender equality agenda of the country. government.