Al-Mujadilah and Georgetown University Discuss Strengthening Women’s Presence in Diplomacy

A dialogue session organised by the Al-Mujadilah Center and Mosque for Women in cooperation with Georgetown University in Qatar highlighted the structural, cultural and institutional challenges facing women in diplomacy. It examined practical solutions to support their participation and professional advancement, alongside mentorship mechanisms that draw on the experience of diplomatic leaders to support new generations.

The session, titled "Women in Diplomacy: Challenges and the Way Forward", was moderated by Her Excellency Odette Yidi David, former Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia to the State of Qatar. It brought together a group of women diplomats, students and young women aspiring to diplomatic careers.

The gathering provided a platform for international dialogue, connecting women diplomats from different generations and backgrounds with young women seeking careers in diplomacy. It enabled participants to exchange experiences and perspectives on leadership and professional development and discuss the evolving role of women in foreign affairs.

Participants included Her Excellency Maria Camilleri Calleja, Ambassador of the Republic of Malta to the State of Qatar; Her Excellency Lily Adhieu Martin Manyiel, Ambassador of the Republic of South Sudan to the State of Qatar; and Ms. Maryam Al-Nasr, Director of Partnership Development in the Global Partnerships Office’s Resource Mobilization Division at the Inter-American Development Bank.

The initiative reflects the Al-Mujadilah Center and Mosque for Women’s commitment to enriching dialogue and exchanging knowledge and experience. It also strengthens cooperation with Georgetown University in Qatar by combining academic knowledge with practical diplomatic experience, opening new opportunities for communication and mutual learning among students, graduates and diplomatic leaders and inspiring a new generation of women aspiring to work in international affairs.

Dr. Sohaira Siddiqui, Executive Director of the Al-Mujadilah Center and Mosque for Women and Associate Professor of Islamic Studies and Theology at Georgetown University in Qatar, said the participation of representatives from more than 30 countries reflected the global character of the community of women helping to shape diplomacy and public service today.

She added that the participants had assumed leadership roles under highly complex circumstances and that their experience represented a valuable resource for new generations taking their first professional steps. Through its cooperation with Georgetown University in Qatar, the centre is committed to providing spaces for exchanging knowledge and experience, offering mentorship opportunities to emerging women leaders and strengthening their sense of belonging to the diplomatic community.

Dr. Clyde Wilcox, Professor of Government and Acting Dean of Georgetown University in Qatar, expressed his pleasure at cooperating with the Al-Mujadilah Center and Mosque for Women to give the university’s students an opportunity to learn directly from women with professional experience in diplomacy.

He explained that women account for around 70 percent of the university’s students and stressed the importance of ensuring that they recognise diplomacy as a promising career offering wide-ranging opportunities. He noted that several university graduates already work in the diplomatic corps and expressed confidence that some participants in the event would join the field in the future.

The session focused on developing practical recommendations to inform future programmes and activities, expand mentorship opportunities and strengthen engagement with new generations of leaders. It also sought to enrich discussions about women’s participation in diplomacy and ways to strengthen their presence in the field.

Through initiatives including "Women in Diplomacy", the Al-Mujadilah Center and Mosque for Women continues its efforts to highlight the perspectives of Muslim women, amplify their voices, facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience and provide spaces for dialogue where their experiences and contributions are valued. These efforts contribute to broader discussions about issues affecting their communities and the future of the world.

Source: QNA

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