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Ailyn Agonia
DOHA
IF women are strong, the society is strong, said the Ambassador of Ecuador to Qatar HE Ivonne A-Baki, on the occasion of International Women’s Day.
In an interview with Qatar Tribune, Baki, who is also the non-resident ambassador to Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Jordan, Oman and Syria, underlined the need to educate girls to make them strong and empowered.
For more women to be active players in the society, the envoy also advised them to travel and see the rest of world, have their voices heard, build alliances with decision makers and stand up for fellow women who need help.
“Women are strong. They fight in the military, climb mountains, run marathons, give birth and run for president. We can continue to do all these things and never give up. We need to stand against the society that has hindered them from reaching their goals and achieving their dreams. Women and girls must have the opportunities to contribute to bringing about real change and help shape the policies, services and infrastructure that impact their lives. In these challenging times, as our world becomes more unpredictable and chaotic, empowering women and girls is the only way to protect their rights and make sure they can realise their full potential,” Baki said.
Commenting on the growing contribution of Qatari women in various sectors of the society, Baki said: “The growing presence of Qatari women in various fields like education, health, tourism and diplomatic fields is characterised by harmony, unity and solidarity. I believe that Qatar has firm faith in the Qatari women’s ability to assume the highest positions and to carry out duties assigned to them in a manner marked by accuracy, effectiveness and responsibility.”
“Qatar’s leadership is wise, has a strong vision and is open-minded as well, which is reflected in constant attempts to promote the role of Qatari women and motivate them to perform their social obligations and participate in the public life. Discussing women’s issues freely and recommending solutions for problems and challenges faced by them, which Qatar practices is fascinating and a model for the whole Arab world to follow,” the envoy added.
Baki is not just an accomplished diplomat. She is also a peace negotiator, humanist, politician, among others. Born in Guayaquil and an Ecuadorian of Lebanese origin, Baki speaks five languages and is a recognised painter who spent eight years as artist-in-residence at Harvard University where she also earned her master’s degree in public administration. She is a multi-faceted person and a true inspiration to many women.
“Personally, I believe that the women of impact include world leaders, businesswomen, artists, activists, entrepreneurs, actresses, athletes and authors among others. For me, an optimistic attitude and good team work is the main secret of success, seeing the bright side helps us take bad experiences and use them as leadership opportunities. A strong and powerful voice doesn’t have to be loud, but needs to belong to you and be assertive. A strong sense of self confidence, believing in oneself allows us to take on challenges,” she said.
“My life has never been about wanting something, I like to live the moment intensively, and that is what I have done all my life and it has been worth it. I started my career as an artist, my passion and time revolved around the artistic life from a very young age, since I was following my instincts and having no boundaries at that time in achieving my goals for peace, solidarity and global harmony I found myself participating in the political life and since then I am trying to enhance my beliefs in my political career,” she remarked.
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12/03/2019
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