South Africa’s Ambassador to Ireland Yolisa Maya

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to South Africa’s Ambassador to Ireland Yolisa Maya. We discuss dynamics of international relations and remark on the increasing feminisation of diplomacy, particularly female heads of missions. Some of the qualities that make women good diplomats include intuitiveness, empathy, active listening, motivation and a consultative approach. We acknowledge that different regions around the world have established various gender equality programs to varying levels. However countries that are serious about gender equality are intentional, for example, they have policies and inclusivity initiatives. Gender equality remains a challenge and Ambassador Maya emphasises that it is a phenomena that must be addressed at all levels of society. We end the conversation with an appeal for solidarity amongst women and to strengthen their respective networks as vehicles of social capital that have a lifelong impact. Tune in for more…