United Nations leaders call for first female Secretary-General

During the United Nations General Assembly, several world leaders have called for the election of the organization's first female Secretary-General. Since the position was established in 1946, it has been held exclusively by men. The current Secretary-General, António Guterres, is scheduled to complete his term on December 31.

Several women are among the candidates for the role, including Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica and Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett of Guyana. Other candidates include Ivonne Baki and María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés from Ecuador. The selection process involves a recommendation from the Security Council followed by an appointment by the General Assembly.

In a related effort to advance gender equality, UN Women has released a document containing ten proposals aimed at protecting women and increasing their political protagonism. The proposals advocate for gender parity in power structures, the elimination of gender-based political violence, and concrete commitments regarding budgets and deadlines to ensure meaningful change.