2025 African Women in Diplomacy and International Affairs (AWIDIA) report

MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR, Thelma Nabwire Mondoh

Women are increasingly defining and re-defining diplomacy and international affairs in Kenya, across Africa and the World. Their contribution has led to the transformation of a traditional practice of ‘formality’, ‘masculinity’ and ‘power’’ into one that showcases collaboration, empathy and integrity. The profiles curated in this project highlight the diversity, yet almost similar, journeys of women who dared to learn, to question, to lead and to create space for others (gender notwithstanding) in the industry. Each profile is a portrayal of resilience, hard work and audacity. From lecture halls to high- level multilateral negotiations, from courtrooms to panels of wisdom, from humanitarian missions to international think tanks; these women have remained grounded in their values, beliefs, customs and selflessness.

As women’s participation in various roles across the international systemic morphe and grow, these profiles should serve as a roadmap and reflection for generations to come. This project was born from a simple observation that women’s stories need to be told when they are still alive; that and my passion for storytelling. With each interaction, I could easily see how every story was deeply rooted in human experiences of tears, passion, perseverance, mentorship and the audacity to dream big and to take up these spaces. I hope this
publication will inspire and encourage young women in diplomacy and international affairs, especially students and those struggling to pick niche in the industry, to dream audaciously, embrace mentorship and to lead with courage, wisdom and authenticity (be true to yourself)