In line with the celebration of International Women’s Day, the British High Commission in Kigali, together with its partners, has launched the Women in Diplomacy Rwanda Network, an informal platform aimed at strengthening professional connections, mentorship, and collaboration among women working in international affairs.

The initiative, launched on Tuesday, March 10, seeks to bring together women from diplomatic missions, international organisations, and local institutions to share experiences, support each other professionally, and contribute to shaping more inclusive international engagement.

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Jennifer Stockill, Deputy Head of Mission at the British High Commission, described the network as a space where women in diplomacy can build solidarity while addressing challenges unique to their profession.

"It is such a pleasure to be surrounded by female diplomats in Kigali and many inspiring women working in international affairs,” she said on Tuesday evening at the even. "We hope this network becomes a space for professional connections, solidarity, and support around some of the peculiar challenges we sometimes face as women in this profession.”

Stockill noted that the network aims to foster collaboration among women from different diplomatic missions and organisations, while also creating mentorship opportunities and shared learning.

The network was inspired by similar initiatives elsewhere. Hannah Chirgwin, Deputy Head of the Political and Governance Team at the British High Commission, said she first experienced the benefits of such a network while working in Mexico.

"I moved to Rwanda almost exactly a year ago after spending three years in Mexico,” she said. "While I was there, I relied heavily on a women’s diplomacy network that brought colleagues together to support each other. When I arrived here, I really missed that sense of community.”

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"We want this to be a shared initiative,” she said. "It is not meant to be too formal. Instead, it should provide a space where we can support one another, share practical advice, and eventually develop mentorship opportunities and more in-person engagements.”

She added that the organisers are already working on establishing an organising committee drawn from multiple missions to guide the network’s activities.

The launch coincided with celebrations around International Women’s Day, whose theme this year focuses on rights, justice, and action. Chirgwin said the network intends to embody those values by grounding its work in solidarity and collaboration with Rwandan women leaders.

"We hope tonight marks the beginning of many collaborations, friendships, and unexpected alliances,” she said.

Charity Manyeruke, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Rwanda and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, welcomed the establishment of the network, describing it as a timely initiative that recognises the growing role of women in global diplomacy.

"For many years, the diplomatic arena was largely dominated by men,” she said. "However, history has clearly demonstrated that when women participate meaningfully in diplomacy, negotiations, and peace processes, the outcomes are often more inclusive, balanced, and sustainable.”

Manyeruke noted that women today are increasingly assuming leadership roles as ambassadors, negotiators, policy advisers, scholars, and mediators, bringing diverse perspectives to complex global challenges.

"The establishment of the Women in Diplomacy Network is an important milestone,” she said. "It creates a platform where women can strengthen professional networks, share experiences, mentor emerging leaders, and contribute to shaping diplomatic thought in an interconnected world.”

She also emphasised the importance of such initiatives in helping diplomats who are newly posted to different countries adapt to unfamiliar cultural and professional environments.

"When we hold each other’s hands, especially in a new place or culture, we make each other feel welcome and supported,” she said.

Speakers from civil society organisations highlighted the importance of connecting diplomatic spaces with grassroots realities.

Mary Balikungeri, founder and director of Rwanda Women’s Network, said partnerships between diplomats and community organisations could help amplify women’s voices and ensure that policies translate into real change on the ground.

"It is exciting to imagine that grassroots women’s organisations can interact with diplomats in spaces like this,” she said. "We need to ensure that women in communities understand the policies that exist to protect them.”

Balikungeri explained that her organisation works to localise policies by creating safe spaces where women can learn about their rights, including laws on gender equality and gender-based violence.

"These spaces become learning platforms where women gain knowledge and confidence to claim their rights,” she said, noting that more than 13,000 women across districts are involved in such initiatives.

Betty Mutesi, Africa Regional Director at International Alert, stressed the importance of women’s leadership in peacebuilding and conflict prevention.

"We are living in a time when the world faces many crises,” she said. "Women often bear the brunt of conflict, yet they also play a central role in rebuilding communities and fostering reconciliation.”

Drawing on her experience working with survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Mutesi shared examples of women who have chosen reconciliation despite immense personal loss.

"These stories remind us that peacebuilding begins in our families and communities,” she said. "Women can play a powerful role in shaping more peaceful societies.”

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Young leaders also emphasised the need to ensure that progress in gender equality translates into access to justice for all women.

Noella Jolie, Director of Programmes at Blossom Bridge Initiative, acknowledged Rwanda’s achievements in promoting women’s leadership and representation, while noting that some women still face barriers in accessing justice.

"Many women are still unable to claim their rights because they do not know them or face structural obstacles,” she said. "It is difficult to claim a right that you do not know exists.”

Jolie called for continued efforts to raise awareness, particularly among women and girls at the grassroots level, and to create safe spaces where cases of violence and discrimination can be reported.