In commemoration of the 150th anniversary and on the occasion of Women's History Month in March, the UPU has embarked on a global campaign to spotlight the pivotal role of women in shaping the history of not only Posts, but also of nations. To this end, it has launched two powerful campaigns: #PostalWomen and #SheStamps.
Masahiko Metoki, UPU Director General and International Gender Champion, has renewed the UPU’s commitment to gender equality through its global postal network, ensuring inclusive services and empowering women in e-commerce for financial independence. “I pledge to ensure that women have an equal platform for their voices to be heard in UPU fora and that their views are included in UPU decision-making processes to build an equitable future through the postal sector,” he said.The #SheStamps campaign celebrated women from diverse backgrounds who made landmark contributions in history, with 19 UPU members countries sharing 66 memorable stamp issues.
From Africa, Fatima Mernissi, an influential Moroccan scholar and advocate for women's rights, left a lasting literary impact on the early Islamic feminist movement.
Eva Perón of Argentina and Léa Roback of Canada inspired women across the Americas with their dedication to social and political rights. Costa Rica's Dr. Felícitas “Lita” Chaverri Matamoros broke barriers in higher education and pharmacy, paving the way for women of the future.
Western Europe celebrates a diverse array of figures, including Helene Lange of Germany and Simone Veil of France for their advocacy of educational reform and reproductive rights. Greece's Maria Callas remains an enduring icon in operatic history, and Mother Teresa - revered globally for her humanitarian work - is featured on a stamp from her native Albania.
In Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, Svetlana Kana Radević was Montenegro's first female architect and Diana Abgar became Armenia's first woman diplomat. In 2019, Slovakia's Zuzana Čaputová made history as Slovakia's youngest president (at 45 years of age) and the first women to hold this role. She is a champion of environmental protection and gender equality, and is the first woman to feature on a Slovakian postage stamp during her lifetime.
These stamps, as well as all the others shared as part of the campaign, feature prominent women across the continents and celebrate their diverse contributions to literature, politics, science and humanitarianism, highlighting their enduring legacies and inspiring future generations worldwide.
#PostalWomen in “herstory”
Women’s History Month also serves as an opportunity to highlight the spirit of contemporary women leaders who are shaping the postal sector's future. Hanadi Al-Tayeb, Jordan Post's first woman Director General, has exemplified dedication and leadership for over nearly two decades of postal service. She has spearheaded postal payment and digital financial services, driving regional and global postal development to support women's entrepreneurship, providing platforms for local women to showcase their skills.Correos de México, where women comprise 43% of the workforce, champions gender equality through professional development and by addressing the specific needs of its female customers. As part of this campaign, postwomen shared their experiences overcoming challenges in a male-dominated field, driving positive change within the institution's 400-year history.
From Azerbaijan to Australia, the impact of women in postal services echoes through the generations. Hajar Isababayeva's 64-year tenure at Azerpost is the epitome of dedication and resilience, while Mary Ellen Cuper's legacy as Australia's first Aboriginal postmistress lives on through the training and empowerment of future female leaders.
The invaluable contribution of women in driving postal development is exemplified by Seychelles Postal Services, which is led predominantly by women. Women make up an impressive 75% of its workforce, including top management, epitomizing gender inclusivity and leadership within the Seychelles postal sector. Meanwhile, in Malaysia, an all-women postal security review team stands as a beacon of women's commitment to ensuring the safety of international communication. Their expertise and vigilance highlight the indispensable role women play in upholding security standards within the postal sector.
These stories underscore the transformative power of women in shaping the future of postal services worldwide.
More stories can be found under the hashtags #SheStamps and #PostalWomen on the UPU’s social media platforms. All stamps and visuals featured in the campaigns can be found in this dedicated Flickr album.
In our memorable year, the UPU also invites its member countries to take part in a number of advocacy campaigns dedicated to philately, postal workers and their essential work.
Learn more from here on how you can contribute materials. We look forward to your contributions!