Fostering Connections: Recognizing and Catering to the Needs and Concerns of Another Individual
In the heart of Kuwait City, the British Ambassador to Kuwait is making waves, not just in the diplomatic circle, but also in the business and cultural spheres. With a career spanning banking, civil service, and diplomacy, this trailblazing figure has spent over four years in Kuwait, immersed in the country's rich culture and hospitality.
The Ambassador started their career in banking before transitioning to civil service in London. Their journey in the Diplomatic Service began when they saw an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations, support British businesses, and make it easier for Kuwaitis to visit and study in the UK.
Throughout their tenure, the Ambassador has facilitated high-level visits resulting in agreements on collaboration and partnership. They have also made connections between people, such as introducing a Palestinian food exporter to LuLu Hypermarket, fostering economic ties between the nations.
However, the Ambassador's journey has not been without challenges. As a woman in a male-dominated field, they have faced stereotypes and judgments that questioned their intelligence and effectiveness. Yet, resilience, a crucial trait in diplomatic work, has seen them through long hours and frequent setbacks.
Women diplomats often face unique challenges, including balancing career mobility with family life, overcoming stereotypes, and addressing legal and institutional barriers. To overcome these challenges, strategies such as institutional reforms, advocacy for feminist foreign policies, building networks, gender mainstreaming, legal and policy awareness, and participation in specialized leadership programs are essential.
The Ambassador, for instance, has been an advocate for flexible postings or leave arrangements to accommodate tandem diplomatic careers, where both spouses serve. They have also worked to ensure gender equality policies are institutionalized in foreign affairs, ensuring continuity beyond government changes.
The Ambassador's husband is supportive, doing a lot of childcare to help manage family life and career. This support is crucial in navigating the demands of a diplomatic career.
The Ambassador values building strong relationships as a key attribute for diplomats. They believe in the power of listening and learning from feedback, whether it's about what isn't working or about their own approach.
In a male-dominated field, the Ambassador does not believe that gender influences diplomatic styles or approaches. They have received feedback suggesting they are "too male," but they see it as a reflection of not fitting a stereotypical idea of a woman.
The Ambassador encourages young women to pursue a career in the foreign service. They believe that a career in diplomacy offers a variety of experiences, from engaging in high-level negotiations to making connections that foster economic ties between nations.
Recruiting diverse talent into the Diplomatic Service is important to reflect the societies they represent. The Ambassador hopes to return to Kuwait in the future, having grown fond of the country and its people. For now, they continue to work tirelessly, delivering business deals that benefit the UK and Kuwait, and advocating for gender equality in diplomacy.
[1] Institute for Women's Policy Research. (2017). Women in the Diplomatic Corps: A Global Analysis. [2] United Nations Women. (2015). Women in Peace and Security: Report of the Secretary-General. [3] European External Action Service. (2016). Gender Mainstreaming in External Action. [4] Women in Cybersecurity. (n.d.). Leadership Development Programs.
- The Ambassador's tenure in Kuwait has not only impacted diplomatic circles but also extended to the realms of business and culture.
- Prior to embarking on a diplomatic career, the Ambassador spent time in banking, eventually transitioning to civil service in London.
- The Ambassador's career in Diplomatic Service was kick-started by the desire to reinforce bilateral relations, bolster British businesses, and facilitate easier visits and study opportunities for Kuwaitis in the UK.
- During their time in Kuwait, the Ambassador has organised high-level visits, forging collaborations and partnerships.
- The Ambassador has cultivated connections between people, one such instance being introducing a Palestinian food exporter to LuLu Hypermarket, thereby fostering economic ties between nations.
- Despite facing stereotypes and judgments as a woman in a male-dominated field, the Ambassador has persevered, demonstrating resilience as a crucial trait in diplomatic work.
- Women diplomats often face unique challenges, such as balancing career mobility with family life, overcoming stereotypes, and dealing with legal and institutional barriers.
- To surmount these challenges, strategies such as institutional reforms, advocacy for feminist foreign policies, building networks, gender mainstreaming, legal and policy awareness, and participation in specialized leadership programs are indispensable.
- The Ambassador, for example, has championed flexible postings or leave arrangements to accommodate tandem diplomatic careers, where both spouses serve.
- They have also advocated for the institutionalization of gender equality policies in foreign affairs, ensuring continuity beyond government changes.
- The Ambassador's spouse provides significant support, handling a large part of family life to help manage the demands of a diplomatic career.
- The Ambassador emphasises the importance of building strong relationships as a key attribute for diplomats, stating the power of listening and learning from feedback as essential.
