#BreakTheBias: This Women’s Day Meet Pakistani Women in Diplomacy
This year Women’s Day is focusing on the theme of #BreakTheBias. The aim behind this theme is to imagine a gender equal world which is equitable, diverse and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. The day is all about celebrating the achievements of women around the globe and collectively taking action for equality.
Pakistani women have come a long way in breaking stereotypes in all the various professions. However, since the beginning, one of the most meritocratic institutions in the country is the Foreign Office of Pakistan which provides equal opportunities to anyone who is able to prove his or her mettle.
The history of the institution has seen some trailblazing women diplomats who have made their nation proud like Pakistan’s First woman Foreign Secretary, Tehmina Janjua, Begum Raana Liaquat Ali Khan, one of the first Asian women to serve her nation as an ambassador and Pakistan’s formidable diplomat Begum Shaista Ikramullah, the first woman representative of the first Constituent Assembly of Pakistan to name a few.
On this Women’s Day we would like you to meet some of the serving diplomats who are continuing in the proud tradition of representing Pakistan around the world and leading the way to #BreakTheBias.
Amna Baloch, High Commissioner of Pakistan in Malaysia
Amna Baloch is serving as the High Commissioner of Pakistan in Malaysia. She believes that the only glass ceiling is in our minds and only we can shatter it to rise in this profession. Diplomacy is a skill and a mindset that can lead to great success. It is one of those unique careers that provides equal opportunities and level playing field to all.
For her being a woman representing the country abroad has provided an opportunity to shatter the stereotype image of Pakistani women and present an overall progressive country at the international front. “A diplomat is a reflection of the country and it has been a privilege to represent Pakistan abroad in these challenging times.”
She opted for this career inspired by her father. He gave up a position at the United Nations in New York and returned to Pakistan to serve the country in 1949.
“I am living his dream to serve the Foreign Service of Pakistan and the country.”
Since joining the service Ms. Baloch’s sources of inspiration to grow in her career have evolved during the course of her career. As she explains, “Initially the sophistication and the dazzle associated with the services was a pull factor. Subsequently, it progressed and was replaced by a desire to excel as a representative of Pakistan.”
As one of the country’s most senior and respected diplomats she feels that one of her key responsibilities is to train and groom the future generation of FSP officers. Her seniors, particularly women diplomats were her role models that she emulated during the course of her career. “It would not be incorrect to say that I hope to become a source of inspiration and pride one day for young officers.”
Talking about her views on the innovation she has witnessed in the field and the future of Pakistan’s diplomacy she said that in recent years the role of diplomacy has grown from a pure political one to a more holistic approach including economic, science, health and education. It is one realm that is certainly not static as it continues to grow and evolve. Additionally, digitalization and use of technology has given a new set of tools for effective and targeted diplomacy over the past two years. In this revolutionized atmosphere the country’s diplomacy has a very bright future ahead as our young diplomats are very well equipped to meet all the challenges effectively.
Syedah Saqlain, High Commissioner of Pakistan in Kenya
Syedah Saqlain is currently serving as Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Kenya. For her this is not just a profession but a lifestyle.
“Working as a diplomat I have understood that it is not a job it is a way of life that enriches one’s personality and professional life every day. It is a moment of great pride for me being one of the Pakistani women representing the country globally.”
At a personal level serving in different countries and continents with diverse cultures has helped her better understand people, respect their beliefs and most important of all made her tolerant and more determined to face all diverse challenges.
Talking about her source of inspiration and what drives her to purse this career, Ms. Saqlain shared that her seniors have been a great source of inspiration and she hopes that she can be able to inspire her junior colleagues in the same manner. As for what drives her is the goal to uphold Pakistan’s position and respect in the international community.
Rukhsana Afzaal, High Commissioner of Pakistan in Singapore
Rukhsana Afzaal is serving as the High Commissioner of Pakistan in Singapore. In her opinion diplomacy is a fascinating career full of unique challenges and opportunities. “It is a great source of pride for me and my family for which I am extremely grateful to Allah SWT, but it also entails a huge responsibility.”
“My very presence reinforces Pakistan’s image as a liberal, progressive, and forward-looking country where women are working in important positions.”
Further sharing her thoughts on the professional growth of women diplomats, Ms. Rukhsana highlighted that she has not experienced a glass ceiling at the institutional level in her career. In Pakistan’s Foreign Service, men and women are offered the same opportunities for career progression, based on merit and individual performance without discrimination. As a norm she has seen her women colleagues rising to the highest levels, based purely on their competence. The additional pressure women have comes from overall societal expectations.
On the front of her personal achievements, she is satisfied with reviving leadership level contacts between Pakistan and Singapore after a gap of a decade and a half. This diplomatic revival has proven very fruitful and has more potential for multiple Pakistani institutes to learn from their success stories.
Given the way in which social media has been integrated in our lives, Ms. Afzaal believes that despite the downsides of this technology the use of social media to connect with people across borders is a great innovation that has a profound impact on diplomacy as well. “Our leadership’s initiatives and personal interest in connecting with our diaspora using social media is commendable and has connected overseas Pakistan with their homeland.”
Talking about Pakistan’s diplomacy in the next five years the High Commissioner said that the shift in the country’s foreign policy direction from geo-politics to geo-economics and with greater regional connectivity coming through CPEC and BRI, she sees huge potential for expanding Pakistan’s diplomatic space. CPEC’s expansion to Afghanistan and Central Asia will unleash immense opportunities for the country’s economic self-sufficiency. “Our diplomatic initiatives such as Engage Africa and Vision East Asia are aimed at augmenting our efforts to connect with resource rich and innovation led economies of the world. These efforts will produce tangible outcomes only if pursued seriously through a whole of the government approach. Pakistan’s diplomacy can achieve a lot through consistent and focused efforts.”
Aisha Farooqui, Additional Secretary Shanghai Cooperation Organization, National Coordinator for Shanghai Cooperation Organization Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan
Aisha Farooqui is currently serving as the Additional Secretary Shanghai Cooperation Organization, National Coordinator for Shanghai Cooperation Organization Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure, having previously served as Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Aisha Farooqui has also served at Pakistan’s missions in France, Egypt, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
Her journey of diplomacy unknowingly started at the very young age of 13, with a love of learning different languages in particularly the French language. She started learning it inspired by Shaibzada Yaqub Khan, who was then the Foreign Minister of Pakistan and fluent in many languages including in French.
“I wanted to follow in his footsteps, not really knowing at that age, what it meant to be in the Foreign Service. I believe our destinies are chosen by an unseen force that guides us through a meandering path to bring us exactly where we are meant to be. Even though in that moment we may not be aware of the path, but it all makes sense in retrospect.”
For her as a Pakistani woman in diplomacy it is both an honor and a challenge. While representing the country is a source of unmatched pride the foreign service requires a deep linkage between one’s personal and professional life which for professional women translates into an overall more demanding environment. Women diplomats have broken the glass ceiling in the country by reaching the highest echelons of the service however, there is room for creating an even more inclusive ecosystem.
Talking about her diplomatic achievements Ms. Farooqui said that, “It is difficult to decide what constitutes an achievement given the intangible nature of diplomatic work. In my own experience a sense of fulfillment is more pronounced when I have been able to touch the lives of Pakistanis abroad and made a small difference in their lives.” For her fulfilling the duty to ensure that Sabika Sheikh, the 17-year-old who was one of the ten victims of a school shooting incident while on a scholarship at Texas High School in 2017, was sent home with full honor that she deserved.
Sharing her thoughts on where Pakistan’s diplomacy is headed in the next five years, she highlighted that diplomacy is a reflection of a country’s internal strength and priorities. Economic security of the country occupies center stage in the overall national security matrix, and our diplomacy and the Foreign Office must respond to this core national priority and need of the country going forward.
Mariam Madiha Aftab, Ambassador of Pakistan to Bulgaria
Mariam Aftab is currently serving as the Ambassador of Pakistan to Bulgaria. Her inspiration for becoming a career diplomat was the unique privilege and honor the profession provides in representing one’s country.
Generally, in the professional environment women around the world are known to face glass ceilings. However, the Foreign Office of Pakistan is considered an exception.
Talking about what is it like being a Pakistani woman in diplomacy, the Ambassador said, “I see myself as a Pakistani diplomat. My gender is a part of my identity but not the whole of it and fortunately my fellow diplomats in the countries where I have served, largely seem to see it the same way.”
“I don’t think there is a glass ceiling for women diplomats per se. However, the glass ceiling does exist in society as a whole because the expectations are for women to be superhuman and never drop the ball as professionals, mothers, wives, daughters etc. As a result, women step back and mostly they do so with regard to their careers because it is so much harder to do so at home. You can give up a promotion or good posting, but you can’t give up responsibilities as a mother or daughter.”
When it comes to the technical side of diplomacy, Ms. Aftab is of the opinion that in terms of acquiring skills, its actually easier for women. They have better negotiation skills, are more empathetic, more willing to work collaboratively and less ego driven.
Sharing her thoughts about innovation in the profession she added that the use of social media for diplomacy has grown exponentially increasing outreach. However, she adds a note of caution saying that while public diplomacy and a social media presence has its place, it should never be considered a replacement for substantive policy. A large part of diplomacy, actually the most important part, is conducted away from the spotlight. It is important not to lose sight of that.
As for the future of Pakistan’s diplomacy she believes that it is in good hands, and she hopes that it goes from strength to strength. “I have never been a proponent of the “apres moi le deluge” school of thought.”
Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, Additional Secretary Asia Pacific, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan
Mumtaz Baloch is currently serving as the Additional Secretary Asia Pacific. For her a diplomat is a flagbearer for one’s nation and an instrument of peace and friendly relations between countries. Being able to make a contribution towards this cause is something that truly inspires her and is a humbling experience.
“There is no greater honor than representing your country on the international stage.”
Sharing her thoughts about being a Pakistani woman in diplomacy she pointed out that Pakistani women have distinguished themselves in the field of diplomacy ever since independence. The current diplomats are following in their footsteps in the long tradition of excellence demonstrated by these women.
Talking about the glass ceiling for women diplomats she shared that they have done remarkably well. In her opinion women have the same faculties and skills as men to overcome any challenges. “Women have broken barriers and distinguished themselves. They have held important positions both overseas and in Pakistan. Ambassador Tehmina Janjua shattered the highest glass ceiling when she became our Foreign Secretary. We are proud of all that our women diplomats have achieved.”
Ms. Baloch’s personal role model has been her father; her inspiration and mentor. The values he instilled in her of honesty and hard work have made her who she is today.
As for the future of Pakistan’s diplomacy she is confident that it will continue to shine, defying all odds.
Ayesha Ali, Consul General of Pakistan in New York
Ayesha Ali is currently appointed as the Consul General of Pakistan in New York.
For her being a Pakistani woman in diplomacy in addition of being a huge honor is also a role that shatters other people’s misperception about Pakistan.
“A leadership role which inspires not only other women but also men! So many men walk up to me and tell me that seeing a Pakistani woman as a senior diplomat has changed their understanding of what they expected their daughters to achieve in their careers and professional journeys.”
The individual she looks up to as a source of inspiration is Asma Jahangir, a woman who was a defender of human rights in a very challenging environment.
Her career in diplomacy gives her a unique and unmatched sense of pride in representing the country, especially during her India assignment which gave her a real sense of Pakistan’s history and identity. A key professional achievement for the Consul General has been her current role as she gets to represent the largest concentration of Pakistani diaspora in the US. “As the first female Consul General from Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a role largely assumed to be for “men only,” I’ve had the opportunity to serve the community in a city which became the epicenter of the global Covid-19 pandemic. With all the challenges it entailed over a period of two years, I feel that I and my team handled some unprecedented situations and tried to do our best for our community and our country.”
In terms of the technical advancement in the filed in her opinion the ability to provide online consular services to millions of overseas Pakistanis has been a major achievement in the last two years.
Speaking of glass ceilings in this profession she shared that the answer is both yes and no. Yes because of the work life balance that is expected from women and no because in principle the Foreign Office is an equal opportunity organization, where if you work hard, stay true to your ideals, you can achieve your dreams.
When it comes to the future of Pakistani diplomacy, Ms. Ali sees it growing from strength to strength.
Samina Mehtab, Ambassador of Pakistan in Vietnam
Samina Mehtab is serving as Pakistan’s Ambassador in Vietnam. As a Pakistani woman in diplomacy the Ambassador shared that her professional experience has been wonderful.
“I get to represent a very rich cultural heritage and also debunk the myths that the people all over the world have regarding the role of women in Pakistani society.”
In her opinion diplomacy as a profession is easier for women than men as by their very nature they have been equipped to negotiate, cooperate and reach solutions. When it comes to Pakistan’s Foreign Service, there are no glass ceilings for woman as they have access to same opportunities as their male colleagues. “Appointment of a women as the Foreign Secretary is a testimony to the fact that there is no glass ceiling for women in diplomacy in Pakistan.”
Personally for Ms. Mehtab representing the green flag at the international level keeps her motivated to continue her responsibilities diligently. As for individuals who inspired her, Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah is someone who greatly inspired her. Ms. Jinnah’s services and efforts for the country are simply matchless and tireless, as she played a pivotal role in the Pakistan movement and also served as a guiding star for all women to achieve excellence.
“Being a diplomat provides us with great opportunity to design policies and implement them in order to enhance the bilateral relations. It is so delightful that our initiatives can open new avenues of cooperation between Pakistan and other countries.”
Talking about her professional success stories the Ambassador said, “During my tenure in China, I played a vital role in enhancing Pakistan-China diplomatic relations. Being a Chinese speaking officer, I stepped out of my office and the traditional diplomacy and took initiatives like establishment of Pakistan Music academy and appeared frequently on media.”
Just like technology has had an impact on every aspect of the times we live in Ms. Mehtab is of the opinion that social media has played a pivotal role in making diplomacy more open and creative in the last two years. This addition has made the field more efficient, accessible and interactive.
“In five years, I see Pakistan’s diplomacy flourishing and effectively reaching its goal. Our diplomats around the globe work really efficiently and put in their utmost efforts to make our country proud. I am certain that all these efforts will yield tremendous results in near future.”
Farhat Ayesha, High Commissioner Designate for Pakistan in Ghana, currently serving as Minister at Pakistan Mission to the United Nations, Geneva
Farhat Ayesha, is currently serving as Minister at Pakistan Mission to the United Nations Geneva and Pakistan’s High Commissioner designate to Ghana.
She believes that it is easier for women to be in diplomacy as they are good communicators. Women are diligent and committed. They are thorough and, they are kind. These unique characteristics make them perfect for diplomacy.
It gives me immense pleasure to serve Pakistan in foreign countries and at international platforms to enhance the image of a confident, progressive Pakistan.
Diplomacy is an elegant profession. It enables her to contribute through her knowledge and interpersonal skills in foreign policy formulation and its execution. This field is a unique art of knowledge of international relations, politics, law and communication skills.
“We are the first line of defense and the courage to do so is the most inspiring feature of our profession.”
Ms. Ayesha takes her inspiration from the towering personalities of the Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah whose foresight, tenacity and firmness for his ideals and objectives she admires. Begum Raana Liaqat Ali Khan, Pakistan’s first lady Ambassador. Her persona has had a lasting impact on her.
She is also inspired by Begum Shaista Ikramullah, another remarkable Ambassador, parliamentarian and writer. She was Pakistan’s delegate negotiating Universal Declaration of Human Rights and drafter of its article 16 regarding equal marriage rights for men and women. Also, she was the first Muslim lady to earn PhD from London University. Among the later generations, she admires Ambassador Jamshed Marker, a refined diplomat, and skillful negotiator, upholding pride of the country sometimes in the most difficult times.
Talking about her own diplomatic achievements that she herself is proud of she said, “I have served in Pakistan Missions in New York, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Shanghai and Geneva. I was part of the team shaping and founding CPEC. I served as Rapporteur in Bureau of UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). I have represented the country in UN and a number of its bodies and organizations.”
Sharing her thoughts about the innovation in the profession especially in the last two years she highlighted that the experience of conducting diplomacy in a virtual and digital environment introduced increased informality and openness. However, an additional key learning has been that there is no alternative to in- person interactions. Traditional modalities carry their strengths and usefulness.
As for the future of Pakistan’s diplomacy she shared that, “there is going to have an increasingly feminine face in the coming years. Increasing number of young Pakistani girls are choosing this profession. They bring with them unique skill sets to advance our foreign policy objectives.”
Aqsa Nawaz, Consul General Designate for Pakistan in Milan, current serving as the Director General of the Department of Central Asian Countries and the Economic Coordination Organization, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan
Aqsa Nawaz is the Consul General Designate for Pakistan’s Consulate in Milan.
What inspired her to join the Foreign Office was the nature of the profession of diplomacy. It’s key focus on establishing communication with diverse cultures while advocating your country’s stance.
There was a time when traditionally diplomacy was considered to be male dominated profession. Even today that image remains for some. However, since a lot of women have been joining this field especially since more than a decade in Pakistan the old perceptions are changing. The glass ceiling in her opinion has been broken and if there are segments where it remains that too will soon be broken.
“It may be harder on personal scale; on professional level, career demands are alike. However, work-life balance remains challenging for men and women equally. Society needs to continue working on breaking the stereotypical roles of the two genders.”
At a personal level working as a diplomat is one of the most wonderful experiences as well as a challenge for her.
Sharing her thoughts about some of the positive innovations that have taken place in the filed she said, “Diplomacy is getting more democratic and approachable for public. Social media presence of foreign ministries and embassies have increased public access to them.”
As a continuation of the addition of positive aspects to Pakistani diplomacy the Consul General Designate highlighted that the field is expanding and becoming more multifaceted in our time by including science, economic, digital and public diplomacy to the traditional form and our diplomats are ready to meet the matrix of challenges.
Originally published at https://pk.mashable.com on March 8, 2022.
