Doha, November 02 (QNA) - Al-Mujadilah: Center & Mosque for Women, in collaboration with Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q), hosted "Women in Diplomacy: Challenges and the Way Forward", a panel discussion and networking luncheon bringing together distinguished diplomats, students, and aspiring professionals to exchange experiences, examine challenges facing women in diplomacy, and explore pathways for their advancement in foreign affairs.

The gathering provided a platform for candid, cross-generational, and global dialogue, bringing together women diplomats and aspiring professionals to exchange experiences and perspectives on leadership, career development, and the evolving role of women in foreign affairs. Discussions explored the structural, cultural, and institutional barriers women face in diplomacy, alongside practical approaches to addressing these complexities and opportunities for mentorship and professional growth.

The panel was moderated by Former Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia to the State of Qatar, HE Odette Yidi David and featured HE Ambassador of Malta to Qatar, Maria Camilleri Calleja; HE Ambassador of South Sudan to Qatar, Lily Adhieu Martin Manyiel; and Partnerships Development Manager at Inter-American Development Bank, Maryam Al Nasr.

Reflecting Al-Mujadilah's commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue and knowledge exchange, the initiative further strengthened its collaboration with GU-Q, connecting academic learning with professional experiences in diplomacy and creating opportunities for continued engagement between students, alumni, and diplomatic leaders.

Executive Director of Al-Mujadilah and Professor of Islamic Studies at GU-Q, Professor Sohaira Siddiqui, said: "With participants from more than 30 countries, this gathering reflected the global community of women shaping diplomacy and public service today. These women have led through moments of real complexity, and their experience is an invaluable resource for those just beginning their careers. Al-Mujadilah is proud to partner with GU-Q to create spaces where that knowledge is shared, and where emerging leaders can find both mentorship and a sense of belonging in the field."

For his part, Professor of Government and Acting Dean at GU-Q, Clyde Wilcox said: "We're delighted to collaborate with Al-Mujadilah to help provide our students with an opportunity to learn directly from women who have careers in diplomacy. At GU-Q, where nearly seven in ten students are women, it is vital that our students see that a diplomatic career is an exciting possibility. Some of our former students are diplomats, and some of the students who attend this event will almost certainly have careers in diplomacy."

The gathering also sought to encourage practical recommendations to inform future programming, mentorship opportunities, and continued engagement with the next generation of leaders, while contributing to wider conversations on women's participation in diplomacy.

Through initiatives such as Women in Diplomacy, Al-Mujadilah continues to advance its commitment to amplifying Muslim women's perspectives, facilitating knowledge exchange, and creating spaces where their experiences and contributions are recognized and inform broader conversations on issues shaping their communities and the world. (QNA)