(Bogota, 8 August) — UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous is on a three-day mission in Colombia, where she is meeting with government officials, civil society groups, and partners. The purpose of the mission is to build on momentum and galvanize action for women’s leadership and gender equality across Colombia.
Media advisory: UN Women Executive Director, in Colombia, calls for a new era of gender equality
The mission comes as a new government takes office, led by President Gustavo Petro and Vice-President Francia Márquez, the country’s first Afro-Colombian Vice President. The new government has committed to prioritize gender equality, and to reach gender parity in cabinet appointments. To date, for the government’s 18 ministries, nine women have been appointed as minister, and eight men. In his inauguration speech on 7 August, President Petro re-confirmed gender quality as a high priority of the new government.
Following the inauguration ceremony in Bogota, Ms. Bahous said: “Colombia has shown considerable momentum in advancing women’s empowerment, but the agenda ahead for gender equality is vast. It is encouraging that President Petro has strongly committed to advancing gender equality as a priority of the new government—including in his inaugural speech. UN Women stands ready to provide our strongest support as the new Government—and all Colombians—bring a brighter future into view”.
The three-day mission includes meetings with First Lady Verónica Alcocer, Vice President Francia Márquez, government officials, and civil society groups promoting the advancement of women and girls.
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