Female diplomats representing the African Missions in Kuwait have officially launched the African Women Diplomats (AWDK) forum during a Gala Dinner held on Thursday, 4th December 2025, at the Al-Baraka Ballroom, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Farwaniya.
The event, aimed at promoting partnership and cultural exchange between Africa and Kuwait, brought together dignitaries from various sectors, including diplomats, government officials, activists and the media, among others, to honour the remarkable contribution of African women in Kuwait.
Launched during the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, marking a dedicated effort to raise awareness, call for change, and mobilize action to end violence against women and girls, the AWDK is a group established to create a dynamic network of African women in diplomacy that seeks to foster collaboration, professional development, cultural exchange, and partnerships with the State of Kuwait.
Welcoming the guests, Her Excellency Haja Ishata Thomas, Chairperson of AWDK and Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Kuwait explained the objective of the initiative, which she stated was to serve as a platform for advocacy, promoting African solidarity, cultural diplomacy, gender equality, women’s empowerment, and to contribute effectively to the achievement of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the global agenda for gender equality, while serving as a unifying platform for African women diplomats in Kuwait.
She commended Kuwait for creating an enabling environment for women’s empowerment, extending appreciation to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Government and the people of Kuwait for fostering a society that could actively contribute and support those initiatives.
The Chairperson also mentioned that the group would amplify Africa’s voice and visibility, pointing out the urgent need to tell their story and celebrate the many African women who have shaped Africa’s history and have showcased the continent’s rich heritage and diversity globally.
She called for the swift implementation of the Maputo Protocol (2023), the Protocol of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ rights relating to the Rights of Women, describing the instrument as the greatest weapon against all forms of discrimination against women.
Delivering her keynote address, Her Excellency Tahani Rashid Nasser, Assistant Foreign Minister for Legal Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait, thanked organisers, stating the event was a testament to the diplomatic community’s commitment to fostering peace and strengthening relations between nations. The Guest Speaker highlighted Kuwait’s historical ties with Africa, dating back 60 years, adding that Kuwait had recognised the forum as a vital component of African engagement, which would play a significant and prominent role both in Kuwait and worldwide.
“This initiative aligns with the African Union Agenda 2063 and the United Nations sustainable development agenda, with a specific highlight to Aspiration six (6), which envisions ‘an Africa, whose development is people-centred, harnessing the potential of its people, especially women and young people, and caring for the well-being of children’. We are witnessing valuable and highly effective activities that enhance the role of African Women Diplomats in various fields, opening broad horizons for their integration within their communities. This also strengthens cooperation in gender equality and empowers them to be an asset to their male counterparts in all international and regional forums,” she said.
She concluded that the organisation’s partnerships with the State of Kuwait, particularly with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, would strengthen communication, foster political relations, and facilitate collaborative efforts between Kuwait and Africa.
Dr. Said Hassane El-Anrif, Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of the Union of the Comoros to Kuwait, said the event was a reflection of a sincere commitment to strengthening ties and deepening the bridges of understanding, cultural exchange, and professional cooperation between Africa and Kuwait, embodying a living bridge between two regions connected by broad and shared interests in politics, economics, culture, and humanitarian work. He also mentioned that the group mirrored the strength, professionalism, and positive spirit of African women who represent their nations with distinction and help project a bright image of the continent in Kuwait.
The Dean added that their work illustrated how initiatives could bring nations closer together and nurture bonds among peoples, thereby reinforcing the strong and longstanding relations that unite Africa and Kuwait—relations founded on mutual respect, sincere friendship, and productive cooperation. Dr. El-Anrif described AWDK as an essential pillar of their shared work, with an impactful and inspiring leadership, enhancing both the visibility and standing of African diplomacy in Kuwait.
The event climaxed with African traditional songs, goodwill messages from female diplomats in Kuwait and a raffle draw, with guests winning attractive African cultural artefacts.
