On February 27, the Women’s Foreign Policy Group partnered with the Embassy of Ireland to host President Mary Robinson, Ireland’s first female president, for a discussion on her newly-released documentary Mrs. Robinson. Hosted at the Residence of Ireland, the event celebrated President Robinson’s inspiring career in law, politics, and human rights, as well as her ongoing initiatives for climate justice and gender equality.

Ambassador Melanne Verveer, former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues, expertly moderated and skillfully guided the conversation, exploring President Robinson’s reflections on leadership, resilience, and the evolving role of women in global politics. President Robinson shared anecdotes about her dynamic family life with four brothers and her formative experiences as a schoolgirl in Ireland. She candidly discussed her time as Ireland’s head of state, her work as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the obstacles she overcame as a woman in political office. She underscored the challenges of being the only “skirt in the room” and her rise to power amongst men, using her acute emotional intelligence and unrelenting determination. Her reflections emphasized the relevance of her experiences to women in leadership today, particularly in the face of current geopolitical challenges.

Throughout the conversation, President Robinson emphasized the barriers women face in politics, the vitality of mentorship, and the urgency of forging inclusive spaces for women in leadership. She recalled moments where she had to push against entrenched societal expectations and spoke about the necessity of collective action in achieving lasting change. Notably, she described her experiences navigating motherhood as a politician, highlighting the remarkable nature of her career and her strength of character. Through stressing the significance of mentorship, President Robinson illuminated the critical nature of support networks in helping women rise in political, professional, and familial spheres.

The intimate setting of Ambassador of Ireland Geraldine Byrne Nason’s residence fostered an exceptional exchange of ideas among the distinguished guests, which included diplomats, policymakers, scholars, advocates, and WFPG members committed to advancing women's leadership in international affairs. The discussion concluded with an engaging Q&A session, fostering a dialogue between President Robinson and the audience on the lessons she has learned throughout her career and the applicability of her experiences to today’s global challenges.

President Robinson left the audience with a powerful message: leadership is not about power, but about service and responsibility. She urged women to support each other, push for systemic change, and continue striving for a more just and inclusive world.

The Women’s Foreign Policy Group is honored to have co-hosted this event alongside the Embassy of Ireland and to celebrate President Robinson’s extraordinary contributions. As we continue our mission to promote women’s leadership in international affairs, we look forward to fostering more conversations that inspire and empower future generations.

Jacqueline Cavallin is a student at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service and a Programs intern at WFPG.

As Ecuador's political landscape evolves, critical issues are emerging that will shape the nation’s future and its communities. The recent presidential elections, held on February 9, were marked by various crises—political, economic, security, and social. As Ecuadorians prepare for a runoff election on April 13, the precarious state of the Ecuadorian Amazon resonates deeply within the hearts and minds of its citizens.

Ecuador, celebrated for its rich cultures and breathtaking landscapes, stands at a pivotal crossroads. Both President Daniel Noboa and opposition candidate Luisa González have expressed support for the continuation of extractivism and oil drilling, a choice that threatens the delicate balance of the Amazon’s biodiversity and undermines the rights of Indigenous peoples who have long protected these lands.

In the face of these challenges, women are rising as powerful advocates for change. They are not only at the forefront of environmental activism but are also championing social justice initiatives that envision a more equitable future.

Nemonte Ayebe Nenquimo and Waorani Nation

One inspiring figure is Nemonte Ayebe Nenquimo, a proud member of the Waorani nation. When the Ecuadorian government sought to sell off seven million acres of Indigenous land in the Amazon to oil companies, Nenquimo rallied alongside 16 Waorani communities from Pastaza province to launch a campaign and file a lawsuit against the Ecuadorian State.

Their grassroots effort led to a landmark court ruling that protected 202,000 hectares of rainforest and affirmed the necessity for the government to obtain informed consent from Indigenous peoples before any developmental activities. This monumental victory was not just a legal triumph; it embodied the strength of women defending their rights and heritage.

Kichwa Women: First All Women Guard

Years after this landmark decision, over 40 Kichwa women boldly stood up in 2020 to protect their ancestral lands from encroaching mining activities. Today, they are pioneers as the first Indigenous guard committed to safeguarding their community's future.

With unwavering determination, these women patrol an area estimated to be between three and 3.9 square miles, vigilantly monitoring and defending against potential threats. Their vigilance has not only protected their community of 154 members but has also preserved the pristine beauty of their land and river amidst troubling reports of metal contamination in other areas.

Women Mayors Protecting Environment

Miles away from the Amazon, women in leadership positions are taking decisive action in their local cities to protect the environment. In January 2023, the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM) in Latin America welcomed Ecuadorian mayors Diana Caiza of Ambato and Marciana Valdivieso of Manta as new representatives in the Mayors’ Forum. Both mayors are passionately committed to advancing environmental sustainability and combating climate change within their municipalities.

Mayor Diana Caiza has positioned Ambato as a leader in sustainable practices through innovative initiatives such as vertical gardens, air quality monitoring, and vegetable oil recycling. Later last year, she launched the "Ambato Florece" Environmental Education Program in collaboration with the Ministry of Education to instill a culture of environmental respect and stewardship among children within the canton. The program now is being rolled out across 19 educational units, reaching over 1,500 students from both urban and rural areas, thereby fostering environmental awareness and responsibility among young learners.

Meanwhile, Mayor Marciana Valdivieso’s leadership in Manta focuses on the Green Covenant initiative which aims at reducing pollution despite challenges like aging infrastructure and rapid population growth.

The involvement of these female leaders highlights the significance of diverse perspectives in tackling climate challenges across Latin America.

The Fight Remains

As the nation navigates its complex political landscape, these women are not only safeguarding their communities and natural resources but also setting a precedent for global action. Figures like Nemonte Ayebe Nenquimo and the Kichwa women exemplify resilience and leadership, demonstrating that grassroots activism can lead to significant legal victories and community empowerment. Meanwhile, female mayors such as Diana Caiza and Marciana Valdivieso illustrate how local governance can drive sustainable development through innovative programs and policies.

As Ecuador stands at this pivotal crossroads, the contributions of these women highlight a path forward that balances progress with preservation, ensuring a more just and sustainable future for all.

Carolina Borjas is a public affairs professional with a diverse client portfolio in Latin American affairs and environmental justice, holding an MA in Conflict, Security, and Development from King's College London, where she gained a deep understanding of global security challenges and policy responses.

https://substack.com/@carolinaborjas