Greek envoy challenges women

Gibson Nyikadzino-Zimpapers Politics Hub

GREEK Ambassador to Zimbabwe Ms Anna Farrou has urged women to believe in their skills and capabilities, saying leadership is key to driving the world towards peace, prosperity and justice.

In an interview as part of the International Women’s Month commemorations, Ms Farrou said leadership was not the prerogative of men and stressed the need to address stereotypes that continued to limit women in various professional fields, including diplomacy.

Women, she said, remained underrepresented globally in diplomacy and there was need for a shift in mindset to achieve gender equality.

“Diplomacy is a field where women are still underrepresented all over the world,” she said.

“It is a difficult profession, it is a difficult job, and every day there are many challenges and many stereotypes that we women have to overcome, not only in our strict working environment, but also the way that people perceive us.

“A lot has to be done, and the mentality should change. So, I would say that a woman ambassador is a very good example that leadership has nothing to do with gender.

“It has to do with skills and gender equality is really a fundamental human right; it is the driving force for a peaceful, prosperous, and just world.”

Her remarks come as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5) seeks to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls by 2030, including ending violence, child marriage and discrimination.

Ms Farrou encouraged young girls and women to take advantage of opportunities, pursue their dreams and draw inspiration from successful women in leadership.

“Young girls and young women, and women in general, should believe that they can lead. And in diplomacy, it is not only a privilege or a prerogative of a man to represent his country, it is also us who do it, and in a very good way.

“I really hope that whenever a young girl, or a young woman, or a woman, sees a woman ambassador, or any other successful woman in her sector, that this works as an inspiration and as an example of the fact that the possibility exists, and it can be achieved.

“So, to every girl, to every young lady, I would say that your dream is valid. Do not be afraid to have your dreams. Create opportunities. Take your decisions. And in this process, never lose yourself, and never lose your ethics.”

Zimbabwe has made notable progress in empowering women and promoting gender equality across political and leadership spheres, backed by legal frameworks, policy initiatives and growing civic engagement.