Who built the UN? The invisibilised contributions of women from the Global South to the United Nations architecture
- Date
- Tuesday 27 October 2026
- Time
- Address
-
Spui Campus
Spui 5
2511 BL The Hague - Room
- 4B.38
The contributions of women from the Global South to the architecture of the United Nations have long been overlooked. Often portrayed as passive actors or recipients of international norms, they have instead been active norm-creators, helping shape the UN system, its institutions and the principles that underpin global governance. One prominent example is the role of Latin American women in securing the explicit recognition of women’s equal rights in the UN Charter, including in Article 8.
This two-day event begins on Tuesday, 27 October, with a screening of the HBO documentary Bertha Lutz: Women and the UN Charter, which explores the contributions of the pioneering Brazilian biologist, feminist and diplomat who played a crucial role in advancing women's rights during the founding of the United Nations.
On Wednesday, 28 October, a panel discussion focusing on Africa, Latin America and South Asia will bring these often-hidden histories to the fore, exploring how women from these regions have helped build and transform the United Nations, from its inception to the present day.
The panel will feature three speakers:
- Fatima Sator, MA – Public Relations Officer at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and researcher at SOAS.
- Dr Khushi S. Rathore – Researcher in women's diplomacy at the European University Institute.
- Yusra Abdullahi, MA – PhD researcher on African activism at Leiden University.
The panel discussion will be followed by a Q&A session and an informal reception with drinks and snacks.
Event details
Day 1 – Documentary screening Tuesday, 27 October 2026 17:15 | Spui 4B.38
Day 2 – Panel discussion and Q&A Wednesday, 28 October 2026 17:15 | Wijnhaven 3.60
Participants are welcome to attend one or both days.