5 April 2021, Brussels – Women Political Leaders is pleased to announce the appointment of prominent women leaders and decision-makers as WPL Special Envoys.

Comprising high-level women leaders from across diverse sectors, WPL Special Envoys will act in close cooperation with the Board to further advance the organisation’s mission of increasing the number and influence of women in political leadership positions. The WPL Special Envoys will provide strategic guidance and support to help forge close and effective relationships with partners and international stakeholders.

WPL Special Envoys – 2021-2023

Isabel de Saint Malo, Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Panama (2014-2019), Special Envoy to Latin America

“I am honoured to join as WPL Special Envoy to Latin America and to continue efforts to promote women to the highest levels of representation in politics, academia, and all sectors of society. If we aspire to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals faster, we must fully include women in the effort.”

Wafa Bani Mustafa, Chairperson of the Coalition of Women Members of Parliaments from Arab Countries to Combat Violence against Women, Member of the Jordanian Parliament (2010-2017) , Special Envoy to Arabia.

“Empowering women and girls to be influential powerful leaders remains and will always be my passion, as I believe that it is not an option and a choice for women to take part in political life. It is a necessity and a duty to achieve sustainable development and democracy.”

Hafsat Abiola, President, Women in Africa (WIA), Founder of the Kudirat Initiative for Democracy (KIND), Special Envoy to Africa.

“What we see in the world now is not how it would be if women shared decision-making equally with men. I am honoured to be working with the WPL movement to put the women’s agenda in the forefront, to ensure that our priorities shape the future.”

Christine Heenan, Senior Partner and Chief Communications Officer, Flagship Pioneering, Special Envoy to North America.

“As has been powerfully and painfully underscored throughout the global pandemic, who leads governments at all levels matters: it really matters. Women leaders have demonstrated extraordinary aptitude for driving progress as well as responding to crises, and it will take more women leaders and diverse perspectives if we are to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. I am honoured to serve WPL in its efforts to lift up and support women leaders and inspire the next generation of governors, prime ministers, and presidents that the world needs.”

Helen Clark , Chair of the WPL Board, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (2009-2017), Prime Minister of New Zealand (1999-2008) , welcomed the WPL Special Envoys, highlighting:

“Their strategic guidance and support will ensure that Women Political Leaders’ mission to advance parity between men and women is given adequate prominence in different areas of the world. The WPL Board looks forward to working with them to ensure that post-COVID-19 recovery plans are guided by a common scope: to build forward a society in which women’s perspectives are a crucial part of decision-making.”

WPL is also pleased to announce the addition of Katja Iversen as an Executive Advisor to WPL. Ms. Iversen has a background at the UN, at NGOs, and as an advisor to multiple Heads of State, Fortune 500 companies, and other organisations on matters of sustainability, health, and gender equality. She will work closely with WPL senior leadership on strategic partnerships and strategy development, supporting the continued growth of the organisation on a part-time basis.

“WPL has worked wonders,” said Ms. Iversen, “and I am thrilled to advise the organisation in its next phase to reach new heights. Getting more women into leadership and having a big, strong, and influential network of Women Political Leaders is key if we want a more just and sustainable world for all.”

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