UN Women in India Country Representative Shoko Ishikawa presents her credentials
New Delhi, June 4
The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday received credentials from the Country Representative of the United Nations Women in India, Shoko Ishikawa, in New Delhi.
In a post on X by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal said that Secretary (West) Sibi George received credentials from Ishikawa and extended his best wishes for her upcoming tenure in India.
The post said, "Secretary (West) Amb Sibi George received credentials from Shoko Ishikawa as Country Representative of the United Nations Women in India. Secretary (West) wished her a successful tenure in India."
According to the official website of the UN India, Shoko Ishikawa took up the position of UN Women Country Representative in India. She brings more than 20 years of experience advancing gender equality and women's empowerment across the United Nations system.
The website said, "Prior to this appointment, Ishikawa served as Deputy Director of UN Women's Policy, Programme and Intergovernmental Division in New York, where she guided global policy and programme work, strengthened coherence across UN Women's work to serve women and girls in all their diversity worldwide, and co-led the development of the organisation's Strategic Plan 2026-2029."
It added, "She previously served as UN Women Country Representative in Bangladesh and Vietnam, where she led country programmes spanning women's economic empowerment, ending violence against women, gender-responsive governance, women, peace and security, and humanitarian response. She also served as Acting Regional Director for East and Southeast Asia."
Ishikawa began her UN career with the UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), supporting implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and advancing women's access to justice across Southeast Asia.
According to the official website, "She holds a master's degree in international development from George Washington University and a bachelor's degree in international relations and political science from Keio University".
— ANI
Reader Comments
Impressive credentials - 20 years in UN system, served in multiple countries, and now heading UN Women India. But I hope the focus isn't just on urban women. Our rural women face unique challenges that need localized solutions. Let's see how her tenure unfolds. 🤔
Another UN appointment with lots of degrees and global experience. But will she understand the ground realities of Indian women? From safety issues to economic independence, we need action, not just more reports and strategic plans. 🤷♂️
Very happy to see a woman with such strong Asia experience taking this role! Her work in Bangladesh on ending violence against women is especially relevant for India. Wishing her all the best in navigating India's complex gender landscape. 🇮🇳
Good to see multilateral cooperation on women's issues. India has made progress on gender parity but there's still much to do - from workplace safety to property rights. Having a UN Women representative with deep regional experience is a positive step. Hopefully she works closely with local NGOs too.
UN Women in India - great initiative. But let's not forget that real change starts at home, in our villages, and in our mindsets. No amount of foreign expertise can substitute for local wisdom and community-driven solutions. Hope she listens to our own women leaders too. 🏡
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