Every year, the 24th of June is observed as the International Day of Women in Diplomacy. This holiday honors the achievements of women in diplomacy and has been recognized since 2022. Women have served as ambassadors since 1943, when Aleksandra Mikhaylovna Kollontai first held the rank of ambassador and conducted armistice negotiations that concluded Soviet-Finnish hostilities during the Second World War.

Since then, women around the world have served as ambassadors, and as the years go on, an increasing number of women are choosing this profession. This holiday celebrates those women and the women who have served throughout history.

The History of International Day of Women in Diplomacy

This holiday was created when Resolution A/76/L.66 was passed by the United Nations General Assembly. The resolution was adopted on June 20th, 2022, and the first celebration of this holiday was held on June 24th, 2022. It was conceived as a day to celebrate women ambassadors from the past, as well as current and future women ambassadors.

Some Quick Facts About Diplomacy

Before we can delve deeper into the International Day of Women in Diplomacy, we need to understand more about diplomacy. This term is familiar to many, but few truly know what it entails.

To clarify any potential confusion, we’ve conducted extensive research and are ready to share with our readers the facts we believe are necessary to appreciate this holiday.

• Diplomacy is the science/art of maintaining peaceful relationships between individuals, groups, or nations.
• Diplomats discuss issues of trade, security, technology, the environment, and conflict resolution.
• A permanent diplomatic mission is called an embassy. The ambassador is the lead diplomat at an embassy, but other diplomats work there as well.
• American diplomats are employed by the Foreign Service — a branch of the Department of State.
• The U.S. Foreign Service employs more than 12,000 people. They assist Americans traveling abroad and advocate for American foreign policy.
• The United States has approximately 265 diplomatic missions worldwide.
• Helen Eugenie Moore Anderson was the first woman appointed as chief of mission at the ambassador level in U.S. history.

Observing the International Day of Women in Diplomacy

This holiday is an opportunity to learn more about the women working in the field of diplomacy, including ambassadors and those at diplomatic posts. People can also educate themselves about the history of women in diplomacy and spread the word about this holiday using the hashtag #InternationalDayofWomenInDiplomacy on social media.