Standing Firm: Latvia Advocates for Women's Empowerment
In a significant gathering, Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braža, participated in a meeting of female government ministers titled "Women Leaders in the Age of Disinformation." The event, co-hosted by Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, and Jamaican Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kamina Johnson Smith, was held with the aim of promoting women's active participation in politics and public life.
The meeting, named "Women in Public Spaces: Politics, Leadership and Governance," saw the attendance of 14 other women ministers from various regions worldwide. The sessions focused on discussing the importance of women's voices mattering in politics, the need for gender balance within the UN system, and the fight against disinformation targeting women, including politicians and leaders.
Minister Baiba Braža emphasized the significance of promoting media literacy, critical thinking, and digital skills. She also highlighted the protection of women's rights against gender-based violence in online spaces. The Latvian minister shared her country's expertise in technology-oriented training projects for young girls and women in South Africa and Cameroon.
The importance of women's active participation in politics and public life was repeatedly stressed throughout the meeting. Participants exchanged views on women's equality issues and shared experiences and solutions for positive change toward a more equitable and just world.
A release from the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summarized the takeaway from the sessions, stating that women in Latvia are well represented in leadership positions. Minister Baiba Braža's speech during the meeting reiterated this point.
A picture was shared on Twitter by Minister Kamina Johnson Smith about the meeting, capturing the spirit of collaboration and shared commitment among the participants. The session concluded with a shared understanding of the benefits people and societies reap when women participate in politics and diplomacy.
Minister Baiba Braža's visit to Toronto, Canada on September 19 and 20, marked a significant step in fostering international dialogue on women's issues and promoting gender equality. The meeting served as a testament to the global commitment towards achieving a more equitable and just world, where women's voices are heard, and their rights are protected.
