Women in Diplomacy Highlighted in Roundtable Discussion at Panjab University

Chandigarh, June 24, 2025: To mark the International Day for Women in Diplomacy, Panjab University’s Department-cum-Centre for Women's Studies and Development in collaboration with National Alliance of Women’s Organisations (NAWO) and the British Deputy High Commission, Chandigarh, today organised a thought-provoking “Roundtable Discussion on Women in Diplomacy: Opportunities and Challenges”.

British Deputy High Commissioner to India, HE Christina Scott was the  Chief Guest, while PU Dean of University Instruction Prof. Yojna Rawat, chaired the programme. PU Registrar Prof. Y.P. Verma was the guest of honour. A number of Chairpersons, Professors, Research Scholars, students and professionals from various sectors also participated in the function.

Delivering an insightful talk on the role of women in diplomacy, Christina Scott explained the purpose of diplomacy in a very lucid way and then pondered upon the positive role women can play in diplomacy while focussing on intersectionality. She also highlighted the challenges faced by women diplomats like role conflicts and women belonging to ethnic minorities, etc.

British Deputy High Commissioner in Chandigarh, Carolina Rowett pondered upon the history of women in diplomacy in England since 18th  century, while sharing her own example, she said that when she got into foreign services, she had very few role models in the organisation but she said that things are changing in UK while referring to the fact that presently there are 60 female ambassadors of UK to various countries.

In her welcome remarks Prof. Yojna Rawat enlightened the audience about positive role of women in diplomacy by citing examples from her life, concluding that presence of women in diplomacy will make it more humane, compassionate and gender sensitive.

Prof. Y.P Verma talked about the positive aspects of women in leadership and decision-making positions while referring to PU, he put on presence of opportunities and positive environment for women to flourish in all fields of life.

Prof. Pam Rajput gave the introductory remarks citing data highlighting the under-representation of women in diplomacy in India and globally, looking into the history of the evolution of participation of women in the diplomacy, she cited various historical figures who have participated in the informal diplomacy, and formal diplomacy in the capacity of diplomats as well as External Affair Ministers.

Prof. Rajesh Kumar Chander, Chairperson, Department cum Centre for Women's Studies and Development proposed formal vote of thanks.