Doha: In commemoration of International Women’s Day, female Ambassadors and Deputy Heads of mission of diplomatic missions in Doha, hosted the “Diplomat for a Day” programme for female Qatari and international students from Georgetown University-Qatar throughout March.
Participating diplomats from embassies of the United States, Greece, Netherlands, Canada, Austria, Bulgaria, Guinea, Mexico, Thailand, Singapore, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the United Nations Offices of Counter-Terrorism, Trade and Development, and International Organization for Migration, were part of the programme.
The programme aimed to encourage students to become leaders and advocates in their communities by providing them with mentorship opportunities and first-hand experience of what it means to be an official representative.
Students were paired with female heads of diplomatic missions to learn about their day-to-day work, including attending meetings and briefings with consular, public affairs, and trade sections.
The programme concluded with a reception where the participants had the opportunity to network with other diplomatic missions and meet their counterparts.
Participating ambassadors shared their observations of meeting young women eager to learn about the work of diplomats. Austrian Ambassador, H E Karin Fichtinger-Grohe said, “The programme encourages young women to pursue careers in diplomacy, politics, and other fields where they can make a positive impact.”
Ambassador of Canada, H E Isabelle Martin highlighted the importance of strong female role models in empowering women and continuing the work of integration for total and systematic gender equality. Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Qatar, H E Valerie Lusamba Kabeya emphasised the necessity of women’s active participation for the development of nations and the importance of gender equality.
US Deputy Chief of Mission Natalie Baker said, “The programme is part of the US Embassy’s efforts to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment. We are committed to supporting initiatives that empower women and girls and promote their full and equal participation in all spheres of life, including in diplomatic missions.”
Inna Cherniak, a Georgetown University student, described the programme as one of the highlights of her university experience and renewed her hope for her country’s future. Fatima Al Kuwari, a participant in the programme, described the initiative with the Austrian Ambassador as a truly immersive experience that taught her a lot about the work of diplomats. Shiekha Aldana Nasser Al Thani described the Diplomat for a Day programme with the Royal Thai Embassy as an unforgettable experience that expanded her understanding of diplomacy and its role in promoting global harmony and progress.
