Uganda champions women’s leadership at diplomatic reception in Canberra

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The Ugandan High Commission in Canberra, Australia, hosted a high-profile diplomatic reception to champion women's leadership and gender equity in global governance.

The event drew more than 15 foreign ambassadors and high commissioners, along with representatives from international missions and multilateral organisations, as Uganda joined the rest of the world in commemorating International Women's Day, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the event, Uganda reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to affirmative action for the girl child and the advancement of women's leadership.

According to High Commissioner Dorothy Samali Hyuha, Uganda highlighted national policies that have institutionalised greater access to education, political representation where women hold over one-third of parliamentary seats, and economic opportunities.

The event was held at the official residence of Uganda's High Commission in Canberra and served as a platform for substantive dialogue on the critical role of women in diplomacy, peacebuilding, economic participation and decision-making processes amid ongoing global challenges.

“Balancing the scales is not symbolic language. It is a policy commitment. It is a structural decision. It is a national priority,” Hyuha noted in a statement.

During the event organised under the theme "Balancing the Scales", diplomats were urged to translate advocacy into concrete actions, including budget allocations, negotiation tables and leadership appointments, emphasising that inclusive representation strengthens stability and sustainable development.

The reception gained added diplomatic weight from remarks by Betty Pavelich, Ambassador of Croatia and dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Australia.

As the longest-serving head of mission in Canberra, Ambassador Pavelich represents the collective diplomatic community to the Australian government.

She praised Uganda for convening the timely discussion and warned that much of today's global turbulence stems from the absence of women at key negotiation tables.

“In many cases, this instability reflects the absence of women at critical negotiation tables,” she said.

“Sustainable peace and balanced decision-making require inclusive representation.”

She framed gender balance not as a concession, but as a strategic imperative for effective diplomacy and resilient societies.

The gathering underscored Uganda's evolving diplomatic posture in the Indo-Pacific region, moving beyond traditional bilateral ties to exercise convening power and normative leadership on governance issues.

By centring gender-conscious leadership in an international forum, Uganda positioned its domestic reforms, rooted in constitutional provisions and measurable progress in girls' education and women's participation, as contributory models for broader global application.

Guests engaged in cross-cultural exchanges on collaborative strategies to advance women's roles in peace processes, multilateral negotiations and economic resilience.

The evening concluded with renewed commitments to coordinated advocacy and partnerships across missions, reinforcing that gender equity is foundational to stable international cooperation rather than an aspirational add-on.

This initiative aligns with Uganda's broader foreign policy approach under High Commissioner Hyuha, which integrates thought leadership on inclusion with efforts to deepen ties in Australia and the region.

As global institutions grapple with fragmentation and instability, events like “Balancing the Scales” highlight how principled convening can shape discourse and contribute to a more equitable and durable world order.

The reception reflects Uganda's confidence in its governance trajectory and its aspiration to influence international norms through soft power and shared values.