Marking the International Day of Women in Diplomacy, the event moved beyond institutional talking points to reveal a more personal, human side of international relations — as lived and led by women.

Hend Al Muftah, Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva, reflected not only on her career but also on the family sacrifices that come with high-level diplomacy. She spoke openly about the emotional cost of being away from children and home, and how balancing tradition and global responsibilities remains an ongoing negotiation.

Veronika Wand-Danielsson, Ambassador of Sweden to Germany, emphasized the deep-rooted Scandinavian commitment to gender equality. Her reflections addressed both policy and personal growth, sharing how she and her spouse have navigated shared parenting responsibilities over several international postings.

Irene Susan Barreiro Natividad, Ambassador of the Philippines to Germany, discussed how Filipino cultural values of resilience and community helped her reconcile professional demands with motherhood. She described the impact of long-term diplomatic postings abroad on her children’s identity and well-being, raising the issue of emotional mobility alongside geographic mobility.

Representing the United Kingdom through the German-British Society, Thomas Matussek, former Ambassador of Germany to the UK and current Chairman of the Society, offered a male perspective in support of gender inclusivity. He acknowledged the historical underrepresentation of women in foreign service and expressed his support for reforms within both British and German diplomatic frameworks.

The panel was moderated by Irene Ernst, editor-in-chief of Diplomatisches Magazin, who guided the conversation beyond protocol encouraging honest dialogue about career-life balance, emotional labor, and long-term challenges in international service.

The discussion revealed that while women diplomats have broken many glass ceilings, the invisible burdens of travel, relocation, and dual-career compromises remain central to their lived experience.

The event concluded with a reception in Der Divan’s garden, fostering open conversation among diplomats, researchers, journalists, and members of Berlin’s international community. The embassies of Qatar, Sweden, and the Philippines, together with the UK representation, used this platform to reaffirm their dedication to cultural diplomacy and to highlight that soft power is not only about influence it's about empathy, resilience, and shared humanity.

• https://derdivan.org/event/diplomatie-der-frauen-frauen-der-diplomatie
• https://diplomatisches-magazin.de/
• https://www.qatarembassy.de/
• https://www.swedenabroad.se/en/embassies/germany-berlin/
• https://www.berlinpe.dfa.gov.ph
• https://www.debrige.de/