1 for 8 Billion is pleased to have joined over 200 organisations and prominent individuals urging members of the Organization of American States (OAS) to ensure a transparent selection process and elect its first woman Secretary General in 2025.

The letter, coordinated by GQUAL, highlights the growing calls from organizations and individuals across the region that it is time for a woman leader dedicated to democracy and human rights to lead the organisation.

You can read the letter in Spanish and English here.

The letter urges OAS member states to commit to the following actions:

1. Public Commitment: Member States should publicly express their support for the appointment of a woman Secretary General by nominating and voting exclusively for women candidates and encouraging other States to do the same.

2. Transparent Selection Process: Member States should support and promote a more transparent and regulated procedure for selecting the Secretary General. This should include establishing a clear timeline and minimum criteria for candidates, as well as providing meaningful opportunities for them to engage with Member States and civil society.

3. Qualifications and Integrity: Member States should take measures to ensure that the next Secretary General possesses “the highest standards of personal integrity, professional ability, and respect for democracy and democratic institutions, as well as for the defense and promotion of human rights.” Additionally, candidates must demonstrate a proven commitment to women's rights and equality for all, as well as their support to the Inter-American institutional and legal framework.

Since its founding in 1948, every Secretary General and Assistant Secretary General of the OAS has been a man. In the words of GQUAL, “it is time for the OAS to better reflect the diversity of our societies” - we hope member states take this opportunity to make this long overdue change. 1 for 8 Billion looks forward to supporting this drive and building momentum for a fairer, more inclusive appointments throughout the international system.

The letter builds on GQUAL’s work on women’s representation, including through the group’s successful advocacy contributing to the adoption of important new guidance on women’s representation in international decision-making spaces. The adoption was coordinated by CEDAW’s Committee and makes it clear that women must have “equal and inclusive representation” in all decision-making systems and that, as a starting point, this requires no less than 50-50 parity between women and men. This development has significant implications for our campaign and all organisations supporting women’s rights.

Image credit: GQUAL