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“Women’s leadership is not merely necessary but imperative for the future of multilateralism”
By Bahía A. Gatti, Master of International Affairs Candidate & Fulbright Scholar at Columbia University | SIPA
Growing up in Córdoba, Argentina, my journey into International Relations began with a fascination for global dynamics and diplomacy. I vividly recall sitting in classrooms, absorbing lessons about influential figures like Susana Malcorra, GWL Voices President and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Argentina. Little did I know that years later, I would find myself in a room with her, gaining firsthand insights into her remarkable career and the challenges she navigated as a leader in multilateralism.
My name is Bahía A. Gatti, and I am a 25-year-old candidate for the Master of International Affairs at Columbia University. To be here today, I have faced and overcome various barriers myself. My journey began at 16 when I first engaged with the Organization of the Argentinian Youth for the UN (OAJNU in Spanish), and it has been filled with milestones that have deepened my commitment to making a meaningful impact. From receiving over 15 scholarships and volunteering with more than 10 organizations to working in diplomacy across the public and third sectors and speaking at the UN, I have been privileged to dedicate my time to amplifying the voices of youth.
Susana has always been one of my role models. Naturally, I was excited to meet her at Columbia; it was an incredible opportunity that felt both surreal and empowering. As I sat across from Susana, I was reminded of the essential role women play in leadership, especially within the complex arena of international relations. Coming from Córdoba, I could relate to Susana’s journey from Santa Fe to the global stage, reinforcing my belief that geographic limitations do not define one’s potential.
During our conversation, Susana’s unwavering commitment to advocating for women’s perspectives in global governance was clear. She articulated a compelling vision where these perspectives are essential for shaping the frameworks of international cooperation and addressing the complex global challenges we face today. One point that particularly resonated with me was her emphasis on the urgent need for a female UN Secretary-General, a sentiment I wholeheartedly support.
From Córdoba to Columbia: Learning Leadership from Global Women Leaders
Additionally, last year at Columbia, I had the privilege of meeting Michelle Bachelet, another remarkable member of GWL Voices and former President of Chile. Interacting with both Susana and Michelle—two influential figures in Latin American politics—ignites my passion to “sit at the decision-making table,” just as they consistently do. My own experience in the public sector, working at the Secretariat of Planning, Modernization, and International Relations of the Municipality of Córdoba under Alejandra Torres’s leadership before relocating to New York, has demonstrated that such aspirations are indeed achievable. Also in 2023, I had the opportunity to attend every week of the semester “Inside the Situation Room”, a course taught by Hillary Clinton, another inspiring woman leader. That experience provided me with a holistic understanding of foreign policy decision-making, preparing me for high-pressure scenarios that could impact national security and global stability.
Building on these empowering experiences, Susana’s impressive career trajectory is a powerful testament to resilience and adaptability. Starting in the engineering field, she broke through barriers during a time when gender equity was still in its infancy. Her ability to transfer skills across public, private, and international sectors showcases the profound impact women can have when given the opportunity to lead.
Following in Their Footsteps: How Women Leaders Drive My Ambition for Change
A particularly enlightening aspect of our discussion was Susana’s approach to leadership and crisis management, specifically her concept of “issues-based management,” which emphasizes convening relevant stakeholders for specific matters. This strategy enhances efficiency and fosters unity among collaborators, highlighting the importance of adaptability in leadership styles over time. As I embark on projects related to youth advocacy and international development, her insights into the evolving nature of leadership provide me with a fresh perspective on navigating the dynamic field of international relations.
Perhaps the most impactful aspect of our meeting was Susana’s dedication to mentoring the next generation of female leaders. Her willingness to share her experiences reflects a strong belief in the power of mentorship and nurturing future talent. As I continue my career, I aspire to embody this same spirit.
Her legacy as a leader in the private, public and international sectors serves as a powerful reminder that women’s leadership is not merely necessary but imperative for the future of multilateralism. This message resonates deeply with my work at organizations like the United Network of Young Peacebuilders (UNOY), where I coordinate a network of youth-led organizations and as a member of the Youth Advisory Council for Comic Relief, overseeing investments in youth-led organizations.
In short, let us be the architects of a new narrative, where women’s achievements are celebrated and their aspirations realized. As we reflect on the contributions of those who came before us, we must honor their legacies through our actions. The road to equality is paved with the stories of courageous women – like Susana, Michelle and many others – who dared to challenge the status quo.
Her Turn is a GWL Voices’ initiative launched in 2020. Its main objective is to connect young women globally with prominent leaders to foster knowledge exchange, mentorship, and research collaboration. Starting with five universities, it now partners with 18 institutions across five continents, creating networks through dialogues, lectures, and a knowledge hub focused on gender equality and multilateralism. Expanding further to reach grassroots communities, Her Turn aims to equip future women leaders with the skills to drive meaningful change in international affairs.
The office hours at Columbia University SIPA were also part of the activities of GWL Voices President, Susana Malcorra as one of the Carnegie Distinguished Fellows at the Columbia University Institute of Global Politics.
