Celebrating Women’s Leadership: Diverse Perspectives

Ashgabat, 10 March 2026 — In celebration of International Women’s Day, a high-level dialogue titled “Celebrating Women’s Leadership: Diverse Perspectives” brought together diplomats, senior government officials and university students at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan (IIR MFA).

The event, moderated by Mr. Dmytro Shlapachenko, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, created an informal and engaging space for dialogue between women leaders and young female participants. Designed in a conversational format, the event encouraged open exchange on leadership, equality and the role of young women in shaping the future of the country.

Opening the event, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Ms. Mahri Bashimova, highlighted the importance of empowering women and girls through education, skills development and leadership opportunities. She emphasized that supporting young women in pursuing ambitious careers contributes not only to national development but also to a more inclusive and resilient society.

The leadership dialogue featured distinguished speakers including Dr. Faryal Leghari, Ambassador of Pakistan, Ms. Rana Abu Hijleh, the Ambassador of Palestine, and Ms. Chinar Rustamova, Executive Secretary of the National Commission of Turkmenistan for UNESCO and Ms. Narine Sahakyan, UNDP Resident Representative. During the discussion, the speakers reflected on their personal journeys to leadership, sharing experiences that shaped their careers and the challenges they overcame as women in diplomacy and public service.

The conversation explored several key themes, including pathways to leadership, overcoming barriers faced by women leaders, and the role of women’s leadership in advancing sustainable development, peace and inclusion across the region. Speakers underscored that the next generation of young women will play a critical role in driving progress toward a more equitable future.

Closing the event, Mr. Shlapachenko thanked the speakers and participants for their inspiring contributions and encouraged young women to pursue leadership roles with confidence and determination.

International Women’s Day, observed annually on 8 March, celebrates the achievements of women and calls for accelerated progress toward gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.