By Staff Reporter
The Swedish government recently appointed the country’s former ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mrs Sofia Calltorp its Ambassador for Gender Equality and Coordinator of Feminist Foreign Policy
Announcing the appointment, Sweden’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “In 2014, the world’s first feminist government took office in Sweden. Since then, Sweden has pursued a feminist foreign policy to contribute to gender equality and the full enjoyment of human rights by all women and girls. The incoming Ambassador is Sofia Calltorp, and has long experience of working with gender equality issues. She comes from the Swedish Red Cross, where she was head of international activities. She has also been Sweden’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe.
“Greater gender equality is key to addressing today’s global challenges and achieving foreign policy objectives on peace and security, democracy, economic and social development, and a better climate,” read the Statement.
The Ministry said it is gratifying that more governments are pursuing a feminist foreign policy though at the same time, gender equality is under great pressure around the world.
“In the wake of the pandemic, progress in gender equality is under threat globally and in individual countries. The Ambassador for Gender Equality and Coordinator of Feminist Foreign Policy plays a central role in conducting dialogue with other countries and pursuing the gender equality agenda in global cooperation”
Sofia said she feels honoured and look forward to work for the rights and equality of women and girls around the world with the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all their partners.