Discussion on achievements, challenges of women in diplomacy held

KATHMANDU: The Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA) on Wednesday organized a half-day seminar titled “Women in Diplomatic Leadership: Sharing Experiences to Shape the Future” to mark the International Day of Women in Diplomacy.

The event brought together more than 70 women participants, including diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), representatives of diplomatic missions based in Kathmandu, academicians, security professionals, development practitioners, business leaders and media personalities.

The seminar focused on the achievements, challenges and future pathways for women in diplomacy and leadership.

Speaking on the occasion, IFA Executive Director Rojina Tamrakar highlighted the importance of creating an enabling environment and expanding opportunities for women diplomats in a field that has traditionally been dominated by men.

Similarly, Krishna Prasad Dhakal, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the growing role of women as negotiators, mediators and leaders in international diplomacy. He stressed the need for institutional reforms and equal opportunities to enhance women’s representation in diplomatic leadership.

The program also featured a video message from Sewa Lamsal, Nepal’s former foreign secretary and current ambassador to Belgium.

In her presentation on “Celebrating Women in Diplomacy: Cherishing Triumphs and Identifying Barriers”, Sabita Nakarmi, Undersecretary at the MoFA, traced the evolution of women’s participation in diplomacy at national and global levels, highlighted structural barriers, and called for collective advocacy to build gender-friendly diplomatic institutions and systems.

Delivering the keynote address, Chairperson of the International Relations and Tourism Committee of the House of Representatives, Sumnima Udas, said diplomacy is fundamentally about understanding people, experiences and perspectives. Drawing on her professional and personal experiences, she emphasized empathy, dialogue and inclusive leadership as essential elements of effective diplomacy.

The second session featured an interactive panel discussion moderated by Apekshya Shah, Head of the Central Department of International Relations and Diplomacy at Tribhuvan University.

Panelists included Dagny Mjøs, Ambassador of Norway to Nepal; Meghan Nalbo, Country Representative of The Asia Foundation Nepal; Bhawani Rana, former president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI); Durapada Sapkota, Director General of the Department of Consular Services; and Dr. Meena Kunwar, Senior Superintendent of Police at the Armed Police Force Nepal.

The panel discussion highlighted the need for gender-responsive policies and institutional practices, equal opportunities, supportive workplace environments, and greater professional development opportunities for women.