KUWAIT: Canadian Ambassador to Kuwait Aliya Mawani hosted a diwaniya at the Canadian Official Residence to celebrate both the International Day of the Francophonie and International Women’s Day. The event highlighted two intertwined celebrations that both emphasize the need for gender equality, cultural diversity, and active participation from all individuals, regardless of gender or background. The ambassador noted that gender equality is not just about justice but is a key driver of progress and economic development. “When we invest in women, we create stronger communities and stronger economies, to the benefit of everyone,” she said.

The ambassador highlighted that companies with greater diversity tend to perform better financially. She stressed that having women in decision-making roles and leadership positions significantly improves the quality of negotiations and outcomes, offering a more sustainable path forward for all. “We, all of us, have to use one hand to keep the door open behind us for even more women to follow, while using the other to continue to hammer away at obstacles in our path and extend it in cooperation to men who are our allies, sponsors and mentors,” she said.

Reflecting on Canada’s evolving foreign policy over the past two decades, the ambassador proudly highlighted the country’s efforts to appoint more women in leadership positions. “Today in 2025, 50 percent of Canadian ambassadors around the world are women", she remarked. This milestone, she said, was a testament to the progress made in ensuring that women’s voices are heard and valued in the international arena. However, despite these strides, the ambassador reminded the audience that the fight for gender equality is far from over. Drawing attention to a report by the World Economic Forum, she noted that at the current pace, it will take until 2158 to achieve full gender parity. “I think we can all agree that that’s just not good enough,” she said.

She added that navigating the challenges facing our world requires a new approach—one that incorporates diverse perspectives and experiences. “Each one of us has a unique lens on the world and bringing these diverse insights together can help us to harness opportunities and identify risks. I’m a big believer that inclusion helps us do what we do better,” she said.

Ambassador Mawani called on everyone, particularly women leaders in Kuwait, to continue supporting each other and breaking down barriers. She also thanked the men in attendance for being allies in the pursuit of gender equality. “Kuwait is full of extraordinary women leaders, and I’ve been privileged to meet women here who me inspire me every day,” Mawani added.