Breaching that door was never a choice. Once you start walking through it, it can not be concealed. And yet — you did not flinch. Instead, you vowed to carve sanctuaries through the spaces you walked through. You nursed hope that you yourself could not fathom. Nestling legacies from one room to another, you were never selfish. You tethered your responsibilities as a sacred trust endowed to those who would never know your name. You did not have the compass, but you still chose to draft your own path.
To those who have yet to find the door, to those who now stand before it, and to those who have already walked through, may this letter find you in the best of your capacity!
On the account of International Day of Women in Diplomacy, the global village extends a heartfelt gratitude. And — Thank you!
Dear women,
You walked through the door that was skeptical of your potential, questioned your credibility and demanded you to shrink but you chose to grow. You matured through spaces that initially doubted your right to be there. And unknowingly, you did not grow yourself only but burgeoned the grounds on which generations will reside on.
You built institutions where none existed, building tables that welcomed inclusivity. You paved corridors wide enough for everyone to walk through when the paths narrowed around you. Your contributions have not gone unnoticed.
Your endowment cultivated systems and congratulations,
The share of female ambassadors has risen from a mere 0.9% in 1968 to around 21% by 2021 and the figure significantly climbed to 22.5% by 2025 — growth came slowly, but steadily. Thank you for never stepping down.
But your mission is unaccomplished. Globally, only 21% of foreign ministers and chief negotiators are women. While a growing body of research indicates women as ‘natural negotiators’, 8 out of 10 women were absent in peace talk spaces. Although the number represents a grateful yet wistful feeling, let not your contributions be underscored.
To those awaiting at the door, let it be known that locks were unlatched by those before you. And so the corridors have been paved, tables have been built while the legacies are still being passed down. It was never just for one generation. It was always for you to carry the opportunity to the next door.
On the behalf of those who see you, honor you, and stand besides you, Happy Women in Diplomacy Day!
Samia Tanveer
Samia Tanveer is pursuing a degree in International Relations at Government College University Lahore. She is engaged in developing Youth Naama, a youth-led diplomatic forum. Her interests lie in policy-making and South Asian research. She can be reached at [email protected]
