
Kuwait bids farewell to four women diplomats
KUWAIT: The departure of four women ambassadors from Kuwait's diplomatic corps was marked on Wednesday with a farewell lunch hosted by Indonesian Ambassador Lena Maryana at her residence in Mishref. The gathering honored British Ambassador Belinda Lewis, Canadian Ambassador Aliya Mawani, US Ambassador Karen Sasahara, and Head of the NATO Office at the NIRC, Nora-Elise Beck.
Ambassador Maryana described the gathering as more than a farewell — it was a tribute to the connections formed through shared purpose, respect and sisterhood. 'It's a bitter situation,' she said, referring to the departure of what she described as 'four strong ladies.' British Ambassador Belinda Lewis who completed her tenure with a focus on education, security, and cultural exchange, expressed gratitude for the solidarity she found among fellow women diplomats. 'I've learnt a great deal from so many of you, and I will take that sense of camaraderie and strength with me wherever I go.'
Lewis spoke candidly about the challenges that come with leadership roles and the comfort found in having a trusted circle of peers. 'Sometimes we just have hard days,' she said. 'There are times where I sit there and I'm not sure who to ask, and I'm nervous or scared that I'll get it wrong. But knowing there are people you can turn to, who will listen and not judge you — that's worth its weight in gold.' Canadian Ambassador Aliya Mawani reflected on her three-and-a-half years in Kuwait with a similar tone of gratitude. 'So many people in this group have been instrumental in my learning about Kuwait, in my really feeling at home,' she said. 'This isn't just a network — it's a group of women who lifted each other and helped each other grow.'
She also highlighted the practical value of having a supportive community. 'Many of us are first-time ambassadors and working parents. Just hearing someone say, 'You don't have to show up to everything — I know you have things to do,' made all the difference.' Nora-Elise Beck, who headed NATO's presence in Kuwait, reflected on her experience as a woman in the security field, often having to counter gender-based assumptions. 'I get asked, 'As a woman, how do you do your job in security?' And my response is always, 'As a man, how do you?'' she said. 'That kind of question wouldn't even be asked of them.'
She added, 'One of the reasons I'm able to do my job is because of the support I got from all the women in Kuwait.' Despite her extensive experience across the Middle East, Beck noted that the professional solidarity she found in Kuwait was unlike anything she had encountered before. 'This kind of professional backing among women — I haven't experienced it before. I hope it's not unique to Kuwait. I hope we can replicate it in other environments.'
Although US Ambassador Karen Sasahara was unable to attend due to departure preparations, she was remembered fondly by her peers and honored for her leadership and warmth throughout her time in Kuwait. Ambassador Maryana concluded her remarks with a heartfelt message to the departing diplomats: 'Though your time here will be finished soon, the mark you've left is lasting.'
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