The womanity Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka had an interview with Anna Karina Enestrom
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This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks to the Ambassador of Sweden to South Africa, Anna Karin Eneström. With a distinguished diplomatic career spanning three decades, Ambassador Eneström has served in some of the world’s most influential global governance spaces, including the United Nations, the European Union, and senior leadership positions within the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Her journey, from aspiring courtroom lawyer to global diplomat, reveals how purpose, courage, and principled leadership can transform a personal career and influence international affairs.
A Diplomatic Journey Shaped by Global Experience
Ambassador Eneström reflects on formative milestones, such as her ambassadorship in Pakistan (covering Afghanistan), her tenure as Sweden’s Permanent Representative to the UN, and her posting in Kenya, which deepened her love for Africa and her commitment to multilateral cooperation. She shares invaluable leadership lessons from the UN system, emphasising listening, relationship-building, and international law as anchors for navigating diverse geopolitical positions. For progress in multicultural settings, it’s important to find points of commonality.
Strengthening South Africa–Sweden Relations
The conversation explores Ambassador Eneström’s priorities in South Africa: strengthening bilateral relations, supporting Swedish companies, championing multilateralism, and advancing Sweden’s substantial collaborations in education, research, and sexual and reproductive health and rights across the African continent. She offers powerful insights into the importance of empowering women to make decisions over their own bodies, the role of economic independence in gender equality, and Sweden’s progressive policies, from free childcare since the 1970s to shared parental leave, that have propelled the country to the forefront of global gender-equality rankings. Additionally, revising legislation to tax individuals rather than combined spousal income resulted in individuals taking home more money. It makes economic sense for women, who make up 50% of the population, to contribute to any country’s workforce.
Addressing Gender-Based Violence in a Digital Age
In recognition of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the ambassador addresses the alarming rise in digital violence against women, highlighting the responsibility of governments, tech companies, law-enforcement systems, and communities to ensure women’s safety online and offline. She speaks candidly about the necessity of legislative action, accountability for perpetrators, and cross-gender solidarity in combating violence.
Women as Architects of Peace
Drawing on her extensive experience in conflict and post-conflict regions, Ambassador Eneström explores the vital role women play in peacebuilding, providing examples from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Liberia. She illustrates how women’s participation in peace negotiations and democratic processes significantly increases the sustainability and inclusivity of peace.
Balancing Diplomacy and Family Life
The interview also delves into the realities of combining a high-pressure diplomatic career with family life. Ambassador Eneström shares personal stories about raising her children across continents, navigating cultures, and achieving a balanced partnership within her family, offering honest and encouraging guidance to young women aspiring to careers in diplomacy and global leadership.
Courage and Possibility
We close with an uplifting message to women and girls: embrace who you are, dare to pursue your dreams, even when the path is uncertain, and remember that it is always possible to change direction and redefine your future.
Tune in for more…
A Diplomatic Journey Shaped by Global Experience
Ambassador Eneström reflects on formative milestones, such as her ambassadorship in Pakistan (covering Afghanistan), her tenure as Sweden’s Permanent Representative to the UN, and her posting in Kenya, which deepened her love for Africa and her commitment to multilateral cooperation. She shares invaluable leadership lessons from the UN system, emphasising listening, relationship-building, and international law as anchors for navigating diverse geopolitical positions. For progress in multicultural settings, it’s important to find points of commonality.
Strengthening South Africa–Sweden Relations
The conversation explores Ambassador Eneström’s priorities in South Africa: strengthening bilateral relations, supporting Swedish companies, championing multilateralism, and advancing Sweden’s substantial collaborations in education, research, and sexual and reproductive health and rights across the African continent. She offers powerful insights into the importance of empowering women to make decisions over their own bodies, the role of economic independence in gender equality, and Sweden’s progressive policies, from free childcare since the 1970s to shared parental leave, that have propelled the country to the forefront of global gender-equality rankings. Additionally, revising legislation to tax individuals rather than combined spousal income resulted in individuals taking home more money. It makes economic sense for women, who make up 50% of the population, to contribute to any country’s workforce.
Addressing Gender-Based Violence in a Digital Age
In recognition of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the ambassador addresses the alarming rise in digital violence against women, highlighting the responsibility of governments, tech companies, law-enforcement systems, and communities to ensure women’s safety online and offline. She speaks candidly about the necessity of legislative action, accountability for perpetrators, and cross-gender solidarity in combating violence.
Women as Architects of Peace
Drawing on her extensive experience in conflict and post-conflict regions, Ambassador Eneström explores the vital role women play in peacebuilding, providing examples from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Liberia. She illustrates how women’s participation in peace negotiations and democratic processes significantly increases the sustainability and inclusivity of peace.
Balancing Diplomacy and Family Life
The interview also delves into the realities of combining a high-pressure diplomatic career with family life. Ambassador Eneström shares personal stories about raising her children across continents, navigating cultures, and achieving a balanced partnership within her family, offering honest and encouraging guidance to young women aspiring to careers in diplomacy and global leadership.
Courage and Possibility
We close with an uplifting message to women and girls: embrace who you are, dare to pursue your dreams, even when the path is uncertain, and remember that it is always possible to change direction and redefine your future.
Tune in for more…
