Director-General's remarks at the Opening of the Exhibition "Not a Woman's Job?: Women Leading Countries, Societies and Communities”

Opening of the UNOG photo exhibition 
“Not a Woman’s Job?: Women Leading Countries, Societies and Communities”
Tuesday, 30 June 2026, at 2.00 p.m.
Salle des Pas Perdus, A Building, Palais des Nations

Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,

It is a pleasure to welcome you today for the launch of this year’s edition of the “Not a Woman’s Job?” exhibition, dedicated to women leading countries, societies and communities.

I would like to express our sincere appreciation to the permanent mission of Kazakhstan for its generous support, which has made this edition possible. I am also pleased to acknowledge the participation of UN Women, whose mandate and work are deeply connected to the spirit of this exhibition.

This exhibition has become, over the past 5 years, a meaningful part of our collective efforts to make visible the women whose leadership, courage and service continue to shape public life across the world.

In previous editions, “Not a Woman’s Job?” has highlighted women breaking barriers in sports, science and technology, and multilateralism and diplomacy: a journey that, over the years, has brought together the contributions of 98 permanent missions, representing more than half of the United Nations membership.

This year, the focus broadens further. Through 74 photographs, the exhibition introduces us to women from different regions, generations and walks of life: heads of State and government, ministers, diplomats, community leaders, activists, entrepreneurs, scientists, artists and many others whose work has shaped public life.

This breadth is also reflected in the participation behind the exhibition. This year’s edition brings together contributions from 48 permanent missions, including several joining the initiative for the first time. I wish to thank all participating missions for sharing these powerful images and stories with us. Each contribution brings a distinct national perspective; together, they form a truly universal message.

As the UN Secretary-General recently reminded us, “gender equality is – and always has been – a question of power”. Through these portraits, we are reminded that women’s leadership is not just symbolic, it is part of how societies govern, innovate, negotiate, protect rights and build peace.

For those portrayed in these photographs, leadership is not an abstract idea. It is a lived responsibility, often carried with courage, discretion and perseverance. This exhibition honours not only individual achievements, but also the paths opened for others. It reminds us that women have not only participated in history; they have shaped it, in moments of peace and crisis, in national institutions and local communities, at negotiating tables and in the daily work of public service.

This exhibition also reminds us that progress is real, but not complete. Women have led governments, institutions, movements and communities. They have shaped peace processes, defended rights, advanced science, transformed societies and carried nations through moments of crisis. Yet barriers remain; legal, social, economic and cultural.

I hope that everyone who visits this exhibition will take time not only to look at the photographs, but to reflect on the lives and achievements behind them. These are not simply portraits. They are testimonies of leadership, perseverance and public service.

Let me once again thank all participating permanent missions, the permanent mission of Kazakhstan, UN Women, and the colleagues of the Perception Change Project who have worked hard to bring this exhibition to life.

Thank you.