اخبار البحرين – وطن نيوز
W6nnews.com ==== وطن === تاريخ النشر – 2026-07-11 00:46:00
Local Affairs Editor – Bahraini diplomatic women embody the nation’s identity in every international mission and forum – The Minister of Foreign Affairs opened the doors of training for me… and my secondment to the Gulf Cooperation Council is a turning point – Political communication reads between the lines and reveals unspoken messages – Gulf women have become ambassadors for the values of cooperation and integration among the GCC countries – The leadership believes in women as partners in decision-making and representing Bahrain internationally – Diplomacy is a national and humanitarian message and not just a job – My ambition is to see more Bahraini female ambassadors in international organizations and forums – An-Najah In diplomatic work, it begins with knowledge and is completed with integrity and professionalism. The Acting Director of the Arab Administration at the General Secretariat of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, Dr., stressed. Wijdan Fahd, on the growing role of Bahraini women as an active partner in decision-making and promoting dialogue between countries and societies, noting that they have proven their competence in various work settings in exchange for the support they receive from the wise leadership. She added in an interview with Al-Watan, on the occasion of the International Day of Women in Diplomacy, that Bahraini diplomatic women are able to highlight the Kingdom’s status not only within the scope of this international day, but every day in which they highlight, through their presence and work, the constants of Bahraini identity with lofty morals. And the good qualities, explaining that the presence of women in decision-making positions has become one of the main indicators of the progress of countries and the development of their institutions. The meeting follows: What does this day represent for diplomatic women and how can we introduce Bahrain’s diplomatic experience? This celebration of this occasion represents an opportunity to highlight the growing role of Bahraini women as an active partner in decision-making and enhancing dialogue between countries and societies, and to emphasize that women’s participation is no longer just a development option, but has become a strategic necessity to promote stability, peace and sustainable development. This is affirmed by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the country, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and highlighted by the efforts of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of the King of the country and President of the Supreme Council for Women, through initiatives to advance Bahraini women and designate a national day to celebrate their achievements in various fields. I affirm that Bahraini diplomatic women are able to Bahrain’s status is highlighted not only within the scope of this international day, but every day in which it highlights, through its presence and work, the constants of Bahraini identity with high morals, good qualities, and exceptional performance in every task assigned to it, whether in the Ministry’s General Office or in foreign diplomatic missions. How did you move to the Gulf Cooperation Council? – You moved by decision of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Abdul Latif Al-Zayani, who had a positive impact on my career, was the one who opened the opportunity for me to train and teach at the Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa Diplomacy Academy 3 years ago as he supported the training process in diplomatic work. Then came his decision to loan me to the General Secretariat of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf to benefit from my specialization in political communication. In my view, the transition came at an important time, under the era of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in parallel with the importance of the headquarters country for the Secretariat of the Cooperation Council, the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as Riyadh is witnessing huge diplomatic work through hosting conferences and organizing major events that serve joint Gulf action and serve the sustainable development goals called for by the United Nations, and aspired to by the governments and peoples of the world. Therefore, our loan there undoubtedly contributes to the development of the Gulf work experience, and women’s contributions to it, through the convergence of our experiences and the unification of our goals to work together to serve our Arab Gulf. What is the nature of your work in the Gulf Cooperation Council and how do you evaluate your experience there? – An experience that exceeds excellence, starting with the support of the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jassim Al-Budaiwi, with his legacy and history of the balanced and wise diplomacy of the State of Kuwait, and the motivation of the Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs. D. Abdulaziz Al-Awaishiq, and all my colleagues working in the political affairs sector and the departments and sectors of the Secretariat as a whole. I started working as head of the Arab and Islamic Organizations Department, and then by decision of the Secretary-General, I was assigned to the Arab Department. Under the guidance and trust of the Assistant Secretary for Political Affairs, I was active in organizing the Intellectual Cooperation Council Forum in cooperation with my colleagues in the sector. I am still working to activate joint political dialogues between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Arab countries. What does your specialty in political communication mean and how does it affect your work? Political communication means a deeper understanding, a broader awareness, and a long-term strategic analysis of everything that is said and what is not said. When I read a statement or write its text, I know the word that appears in it, and the meaning it conceals, because it may be a symbol of a hidden message. Diplomatic work itself is based on communication and the exchange of messages. The ordinary reader reads the lines, but the political communication expert reads all dimensions of the context. This is what distinguishes a diplomat who knows how to read, analyze, and provide meaningful advice. How does the world today view women’s presence and participation in diplomatic, political, legislative, and judicial work? – Women’s presence in decision-making positions has become one of the main indicators of the progress of countries and the development of their institutions. The international community views women’s participation as a fundamental pillar for achieving good governance and promoting inclusiveness in decision-making. International experiences have proven that the presence of women in the diplomatic, political and legislative fields enriches the policy-making process and enhances their ability to address national and international issues from a more comprehensive and balanced perspective. In your opinion, how do women contribute to supporting joint Gulf action? – Women play a pivotal role in supporting the process of joint Gulf action through their active participation in joint Gulf initiatives related to sustainable development, youth empowerment, innovation and humanitarian work. Today, Gulf women have become true ambassadors for the values of Gulf cooperation and integration in various fields. Regional and international forums. What are women’s most prominent ambitions to enhance diplomatic work during the next stage? – Women aspire to enhance their presence in senior diplomatic leadership positions, and increase their participation in managing strategic files related to regional and international security, mediation, conflict resolution, and economic diplomacy. It also seeks to expand its role in the fields of digital, environmental and cultural diplomacy, in line with the rapid transformations taking place in the international system. What capabilities do women possess to develop multilateral diplomatic work in times of peace and crises? – Women possess many components that make them an effective element in diplomatic work, the most prominent of which is the ability to build trust, manage dialogue, negotiate and communicate between different cultures. In times of peace, it contributes to strengthening international partnerships and development cooperation, while its importance becomes more prominent during crises and conflicts by supporting humanitarian mediation efforts, building consensus, and enhancing opportunities for peaceful settlement of conflicts. Many international studies and experiences have confirmed that women’s participation in peace processes contributes to achieving more sustainable and comprehensive agreements. How can the performance of female diplomats be developed in the future? – This requires continuous investment in capacity building and qualifying national competencies through specialized training, continuous learning, and gaining international experience. It also highlights the importance of developing digital and linguistic skills and enhancing knowledge of emerging global issues, such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, climate change, and the international economy, in addition to expanding opportunities to participate in conferences, international organizations, leadership programs, and professional guidance. What are the most prominent challenges facing female diplomats? Despite the great progress that has been achieved, there are still challenges related to the nature of diplomatic work and its high professional requirements, which include constant mobility, working in multicultural environments, and dealing with complex political files. Some female diplomats also face challenges related to achieving a balance between professional obligations and family responsibilities, but institutional support and continuous development in work environments contribute to overcoming these challenges and enhancing opportunities for success and excellence. What advice do you give to beginners in diplomatic work? – I advise everyone who aspires to diplomatic work to make continuous learning a way of life, and to strive to build a solid knowledge base in political, diplomatic, legal and international affairs. Mastery of foreign languages, development of communication and negotiation skills, and commitment to work ethics and national identity are all essential elements for success in this vital field. How does the leadership view distinguished women in diplomatic work? – The leadership views distinguished women as an essential partner in the national development process and an effective element in representing the state and defending its interests. Through their achievements and competence, women have proven that they are capable of assuming major national responsibilities and contributing effectively to strengthening the nation’s position at the regional and international levels, which is reflected in the continuous support they receive from the wise leadership. A final word: Women in various parts of the world have proven that competence, excellence, and the ability to achieve are not linked to gender or position, but rather to will, knowledge, and hard work. Today, female diplomats have become an essential partner in making peace, promoting international cooperation, and defending national interests. I would like to send a message to every young woman who aspires to enter this field: to have confidence in her abilities, to invest in science, experience and continuous development, and to make integrity, professionalism and national commitment a consistent approach in her career path. Diplomacy is not only a job, but a national and humanitarian message that contributes to building a more secure, stable and prosperous future for future generations. Just as we had the first female ambassador and the first female president of the United Nations General Assembly, I look forward to having female ambassadors today worthy of carrying the Secretariat of Bahrain in various diplomatic forums, including embassies, consulates and organizations. The issue is not the number, but rather the models that befit the history of Bahrain’s diplomacy and the achievements of our dear homeland. I congratulate my fellow female diplomats and pay tribute to each one of them who endured the hardship of expatriation and patience and steadfastly remained steadfast despite all the circumstances, not for the merit of the position or the luxury of being sent abroad, but for the sake of one goal, which is to build her entity based on this nation, its ancient history, and its good reputation around the world.



