British Embassy launches ‘shadowed ambassador’ program for women in diplomacy

TDT | Manama     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Report by Ashen Tharaka

The British Embassy in Bahrain, led by His Excellency Ambassador Alastair Long, recently launched a unique initiative to celebrate International Day for Women in Diplomacy.

The program offered a chance for young Bahraini women to gain first-hand experience in the world of diplomacy. Ambassador Long announced a competition where young Bahrainis could vie to become a “shadowed ambassador.”

Following a selection process, three outstanding young women – Jood Al Awadhi (British School of Bahrain), Zaina Fayyaz (St. Christopher’s School), and Alhanoof Sahwan (New Vision School) – were chosen for the opportunity.

Initiative

“The purpose behind this initiative was twofold,” Ambassador Long explained. “Firstly, to educate young people about the profession of diplomacy, and secondly, to identify talented young women with the potential to excel in this field.

We were thrilled to discover three such phenomenal young ladies for this program.” The program provided the young women with a valuable opportunity to meet with exceptional female Bahraini leaders.

They had the privilege of engaging with H.E. Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfiqi, Minister of Youth Affairs; H.E. Amna bint Ahmed Al Rumaihi, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning; and H.E. Shaikha Muneera Al Khalifa, Director General of the Academy of Diplomatic Studies at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

These meetings allowed the participants to learn about diplomacy, the role of ministers, and the critical aspects of decision-making.

Domestic exposure

The program was not limited to domestic exposure.

The “shadowed ambassadors” also met with UN officials and representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to gain a broader perspective on international diplomacy.

Al Awadhi, one of the shadowed ambassadors, shared her key takeaway: “Diplomacy offers diverse career paths. You can pursue it through banking, finance, or even a political background.” Fayyaz echoed the sentiment, expressing her excitement about learning new things firsthand.

Interconnected world

Sahwan emphasised the program’s impact on their future, stating, “Meeting these inspiring leaders broadened our understanding of today’s interconnected world.”

Encouraged by the success of the initiative, Ambassador Long expressed his delight in witnessing the participants’ enthusiasm and desire to make a difference.