IN a bold celebration of the International Day for Women in Diplomacy, five young Guyanese women recently stepped into the shoes of foreign diplomats for a day, an initiative that sought to highlight the importance of women’s representation in global leadership and foreign policy.

The event was a collaborative effort by the High Commission of Belize in Guyana, the High Commission of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the Embassy of Suriname, the Embassy of Mexico, and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), in partnership with The Imperial House, a local organisation championing gender and youth empowerment through its “Girls, Assemble!” programme.

This initiative stems from Guyana’s own international advocacy. In 2022, the country co-sponsored a resolution at the 76th United Nations General Assembly that led to the recognition of the International Day for Women in Diplomacy, aimed at acknowledging the contributions of women in the field and promoting equal participation in decision-making at all levels.

Each of the five young women—Ms. Kyra Adams, Ms. Natassia Ashby, Ms. Amelie Burnham, Ms. Adana Dorrick, and Ms. Chanecia LaRose—was hosted by a different diplomatic mission or organisation. They began their day by presenting symbolic credentials to their respective Heads of Mission: H.E. Gale Miller Garnett (Belize), Mrs. Candice N. Shade (Trinidad and Tobago), H.E. Liselle Blankendal (Suriname), H.E. Mauricio Vizcaíno Crespo (Mexico), and Mr. Wilmot Garnett (IICA).

During their placements, the young diplomats were introduced to embassy staff, shared their personal interests and academic pursuits, and participated in tours of the missions, gaining insights into each country’s programmes, trade policies, and cultural priorities in Guyana.

Some participants also engaged directly with foreign officials. Ms. Kyra Adams spoke with Mr. Kevin Chen Sierra from the Belize Foreign Ministry, Ms. Natassia Ashby connected with Mr. Kirk Francois of Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, and Ms. Amelie Burnham received a call from Suriname’s Ambassador to Cuba, Mrs. Wendy Paulis-Aminta. At IICA, Ms. Chanecia LaRose had a productive conversation with Guyana’s Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, and later with IICA’s Beverly Best, who encouraged her to embrace leadership, cultural diversity, and social advocacy.

The day also included a courtesy visit to Madam Justice Lisa Shoman, General Counsel to the CARICOM Secretariat. There, the young women explored the impact of female leadership on Caribbean integration and the vital role of youth in shaping regional unity. They were also given a tour of the CARICOM Secretariat and introduced to key initiatives, including the CARICOM Single Market and Economy and the Youth Ambassadors Programme.

Culminating the day’s activities, the Embassy of Mexico hosted a special session titled “Women in Diplomacy and the Integration of the Americas.”
The young diplomats engaged with Mexican Senior Diplomat, Sylvia Paola Mendoza and received a video message from H.E. Luz Elena Baños Rivas, Mexico’s Ambassador to the Organisation of American States. Ambassador Baños underscored the invaluable contributions of women in shaping international law, democracy, and human rights in the Americas.
“Don’t be discouraged by the challenges ahead. Now more than ever, the world needs your voices, your ideas, and your leadership,” she told the aspiring diplomats.
The day ended with a networking session among the participants and other young women interested in diplomacy.

The “Diplomat for a Day” experience is part of The Imperial House’s broader “Girls, Assemble!” programme, which encourages young women to engage in politics and international affairs through initiatives like the National Assembly of Girls.

The programme emphasises that female participation in diplomacy is essential not only for national and regional development, but also for global peace, security, and co-operation.
The participating missions reaffirmed their commitment to fostering inclusive diplomacy, strengthening educational and cultural exchange, and ensuring equitable access for women and girls in foreign policy.

By opening their doors to the next generation of leaders, they aim to break down systemic barriers and build a future where women’s voices are equally represented at every level of global governance.