Special Envoy Pierce Held Expert Lecture for the Regional Network of Women in Diplomacy

(Patria) - United Kingdom's Special Envoy for the Western Balkans Karen Pierce participated in the inaugural meeting of the Regional Network of Women in Diplomacy, which brings together female diplomats from all six Western Balkan countries at various stages of their careers.

Pierce held a special expert lecture on diplomacy for about fifteen female diplomats from across the region.

Women in the Western Balkans continue to play a key role in diplomacy, peacebuilding, and international cooperation. However, they face additional obstacles in career advancement.

Gender inequalities persist in senior leadership positions and high-level decision-making processes. These gaps in opportunities diminish the overall effectiveness of diplomatic engagement.

During last year's Berlin Process, hosted by the United Kingdom, the Regional Network of Women in Diplomacy was officially launched by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina Elmedin Konaković and the UK's Special Envoy for Women and Girls Harriet Harman, at the Gender Equality Forum in Sarajevo.

The Network aims to bring together women working in foreign ministries to address common challenges, exchange experiences and strategies for career advancement, and collaborate on developing diverse and modern diplomatic services. The Network also seeks to strengthen broader representation and empowerment of women in the region.

As the United Kingdom's Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, Pierce attended the Network's first official event alongside the Envoy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina for Sexual Violence in Conflict Edin Dilberović, and retired senior diplomat of Bosnia and Herzegovina Jasmina Pašalić.

Participants discussed their professional paths, ways to reach leadership positions, and experiences working in male-dominated environments.

Pierce welcomed the establishment of the Network, emphasizing that it is a platform for mutual support, visibility, solidarity, and empowerment of female diplomats in the Western Balkans.

She highlighted the opportunities this Network provides for capacity building, mentoring, and learning among colleagues.

- This reflects the United Kingdom's strong commitment to women's rights and representation as the foundation of any democracy - Pierce stated.