DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS WELCOME STUDENTS TO BECOME “DIPLOMAT FOR A DAY” ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS WELCOME STUDENTS TO BECOME “DIPLOMAT FOR A DAY” ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
To commemorate International Women’s Day, Ambassadors and Deputy Heads of Mission from diplomatic missions in Qatar, including those of the United States, Greece, the Netherlands, Canada, Austria, Bulgaria, Guinea, Mexico, Thailand, Singapore, the Democratic Republic of Qatar, Congo and the United Nations Counter-Terrorism, Trade and Development Offices and the International Organization for Migration hosted the Diplomat for a Day program for Qatari and international female students at Georgetown University in March. The program aimed to encourage students to become leaders and advocates in their communities by providing them with mentoring opportunities and first-hand experience of what it means to be an official representative. U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Natalie Baker said: “The program is part of the U.S. Embassy’s efforts to promote gender equality and the empowerment of women. We are committed to supporting initiatives that empower women and girls and promote their full and equal participation in all walks of life, including in diplomatic missions.”
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 departments. The program ended with a reception where participants had the opportunity to network with other diplomatic missions and meet their counterparts.
The participating ambassadors shared their observations of meeting young women eager to learn more about the work of diplomats. Karin Fichtinger-Grohe, Ambassador of Austria, said: “The program encourages young women to pursue careers in diplomacy, politics and other fields where they can make a difference.” Isabelle Martin, Ambassador of Canada, stressed the importance of strong female role models for the empowerment of women and the continuation of integration work for full and systematic gender equality. Valerie Lusamba Kabeya, Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Qatar, stressed the need for women’s active participation in the development of nations and the importance of gender equality.
Inna Cherniak, a Georgetown University student, described the program 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 program, described the initiative with the Austrian ambassador as a truly immersive experience that taught her a lot about the work of diplomats. Sheikha Aldana Nasser Al Thani described the Diplomat for a Day program with the Royal Thai Embassy as an unforgettable experience that enhanced her understanding of diplomacy and its role in promoting global harmony and progress.
