🟣 As the Americas face serious challenges—from the climate crisis to growing insecurity and organized crime—the OAS needs leadership that truly reflects the diversity and evolving needs of our region. With a woman as the Next Secretary General, the organization could strengthen its commitment to democracy, peace, and human rights. In March 2025, the Organization of American States (OAS) will elect a new Secretary General to serve until 2030. CEJIL, along with over 200 organizations, supports GQUAL Campaign open letter calling for a woman to lead the OAS for the first time. We urge Member States to seize this moment for a transformative change in the OAS’s leadership. This election is a historic opportunity for the OAS to advance #GenderParity. Since its founding in 1948, the OAS has never been led by a woman, despite women making up more than 50% of the population in the Americas and contributing essential perspectives across all fields.
📢 Open Letter to OAS Member States: It Is Time to Elect a Woman as the Next Secretary General In March 2025, the OAS will elect a new Secretary General. Since its founding in 1948, all Secretary Generals and Assistant Secretary Generals have been men. 🌟 On November 4th, together with over 200 organizations and prominent individuals from the region, we sent an Open Letter to Member States calling for change. We are urging them to ensure a transparent, merit-based selection process and to elect the first woman Secretary General—someone who embodies a deep commitment to democracy, peace, security, equality, and human rights. Our collective call continues to gain traction. Since the release of the initial letter, more than 150 additional organizations and individuals have signed on, highlighting widespread and growing support for women’s leadership at the OAS. This list of signatories is regularly updated to reflect ongoing endorsements from across the region. 📃 Read the letter here: https://lnkd.in/epekVaZ3 🔗 Access the Endorsement Form and updated list of signatories here: https://lnkd.in/eJUypmZ3 🌐 Why This Matters: Women’s equal participation in leadership roles is a fundamental right and vital for the effectiveness of the Organization. Women make up over 50% of the region's population and bring diverse expertise and perspectives crucial for the OAS to fulfill its mission. Failing to appoint a woman in this election would be a significant missed opportunity to uphold international commitments and strengthen the OAS at a time when the region—and the world—needs it most. Join us in ensuring the States of the region rise to this challenge. Your support can make a difference—sign and share today! Maria Noel Leoni Zardo Alejandra Vicente Viviana Krsticevic Claudia Martin