AWDK debuts in Kuwait with Inspiring Ceremony Celebrating the Continent’s Heritage and Future
The Times Kuwait Report
In an atmosphere rich with cultural pride, diplomatic presence, and the vibrant spirit of Africa, Kuwait witnessed the official launch of the African Women Diplomats in Kuwait, an initiative that promises to bolster cooperation, amplify women’s voices in diplomacy, and create new spaces for cross-cultural exchange between Kuwait and the African continent. The inaugural event, which gathered ambassadors, dignitaries, officials, and members of the diplomatic corps, marked a significant milestone in the long-standing relations between Kuwait and African nations.
The ceremony was filled with color, music, and reflections on African identity not just as a geographical construct, but as a legacy shaped by history, heritage, diversity, and resilience. The evening served not only as a formal launch but as a celebration of a continent whose women have played pivotal roles as diplomats, leaders, peacebuilders, and storytellers.
Kuwait–Africa Relations: A Legacy of Six Decades
Delivering the keynote address, Ambassador Tahani Al-Nasser, Assistant Foreign Minister for Legal Affairs, emphasized the deep historical bonds linking Kuwait with African nations. “Relations between Kuwait and Africa are rooted in more than sixty years of cooperation,” she affirmed, highlighting political, humanitarian, and development partnerships that have continued to flourish over the decades.
Al-Nasser noted that the formation of the African Women Diplomats in Kuwait came at a time when Africa is increasingly dynamic on the international stage, and its women are taking central roles in diplomacy, governance, and social development. She described the initiative as a forward-looking step that strengthens dialogue, bridges understanding, and contributes to global peace-building efforts.
Women at the Heart of Diplomacy
Heading the newly formed group is Haja Ishata Thomas, Ambassador of Sierra Leone to Kuwait, a respected diplomat known for her proactive engagement in cultural and social diplomacy. In her address, she described the establishment of the group as a “new chapter in women-led African diplomatic cooperation in Kuwait”, emphasizing its mission to build networks, nurture collaboration, and represent Africa’s voice through cultural diplomacy and strategic partnerships.
“Our goal is to create a platform where female diplomats can share experiences, exchange ideas, and promote African heritage,” Thomas said. She added that the organization will work closely with government bodies, NGOs, cultural institutions, and international organizations to advance programs related to women’s empowerment, education, leadership, and gender equality.
Thomas expressed gratitude to His Highness the amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the government, and the people of Kuwait for their continued support. She noted that Kuwait has long provided fertile ground for initiatives that empower women regionally and internationally, making it a fitting host for the organization’s launching point. The ambassador concluded with a promise that the group will “amplify Africa’s voice and tell the stories of its women — their struggles, successes, and their role in shaping the continent’s rising global presence.”
Africa — A Spirit, a Memory, a Civilization
Adding a cultural and poetic dimension to the evening, Rasha Abu El-Enein, spouse of the Egyptian Ambassador to Kuwait, delivered a heartfelt reflection on Africa’s timeless identity. “Africa is not merely a place,” she said. “It is a civilization, a spirit, and a memory that stretches across history.” Her words resonated deeply with the audience, celebrating Africa’s rich diversity, languages, traditions, and the creative renaissance that continues to emerge from its people.
Abu El-Enein highlighted the profound connection between Kuwait and African nations, shaped not only through diplomacy but also through development initiatives led by the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED). Through funding in education, healthcare, water, energy, agriculture, and infrastructure, Kuwait has supported growth in multiple African countries with partnerships built on respect, friendship, and shared aspirations.
“These ties are no longer limited to diplomacy,” she noted. “They have grown into human and cultural bonds that reflect our shared history, hopes, and future.”
A Platform of Purpose
The Group of African Women Diplomats in Kuwait aims to serve as: A networking platform for female diplomats and professionals, A cultural bridge showcasing Africa’s heritage in Kuwait, A partner in development programs supporting women and youth, A voice to highlight African achievements and narratives and a A contributor to diplomacy, peacebuilding, and social cooperation
The launch event concluded with raffle draws, cultural presentations, traditional attire displays, and exchange of reflections among diplomats, symbolizing unity and diversity under one African identity.
A New Chapter Begins
As the lights dimmed and guests mingled, one sentiment prevailed — this launch was not the end of a ceremony but the beginning of a journey. A journey where women diplomats stood out as ambassadors of nations and as ambassadors of their continent’s heritage, resilience, and future. A journey where Africa speaks through its women who are powerful, determined, and visionary.
The African Women Diplomats in Kuwait steps forward not only as an organization, but as a movement — one celebrating African identity, strengthening cooperation, and opening a promising chapter in Kuwait-Africa relations.
She stressed that these ties have strengthened political and humanitarian cooperation between the two sides.
She made these remarks during the launch ceremony of the “African Women Diplomats Group in Kuwait”, which happened in the presence of prominent diplomats.
Al-Nasser said the establishment of this body represents a qualitative step toward enhancing joint diplomatic work, as it is one of the key pathways for supporting peace and cooperation among nations.
She noted that the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs recognizes the importance of this group within the framework of Africa’s growing diplomatic activity locally and internationally.
Al-Nasser explained that the African Union Agenda 2063, (Agenda 2063 is Africa’s development blueprint to achieve inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development over a 50-year period) aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, places special emphasis on empowering African women — a core element of achieving its sixth aspiration focused on human-centered development and the welfare of people, especially women, youth, and children.
She added: “Reviewing the mission and objectives of this group fills us with pride, as it promotes the role of African women diplomats across various fields.”
For her part, Haja Ishata Thomas, Ambassador of Sierra Leone to Kuwait and President of the group, said the establishment of the African Women Diplomats Group marks a new phase in strengthening cultural and social cooperation between African countries and Kuwait.
She noted that the group will serve as the women’s arm of African diplomacy in the country.
Thomas explained that its goal is to build an active network among women diplomats, deepen relations through cultural and social diplomacy, and form partnerships with local and international organizations in areas such as women’s empowerment and gender equality.
Thomas also expressed appreciation for Kuwait’s role in supporting women’s empowerment, extending thanks to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad, the government, and the Kuwaiti people for providing an environment that encourages women-focused initiatives.
She concluded by stressing that the group will work to elevate Africa’s voice and highlight the stories of its women who have contributed to the continent’s progress and rising global standing.
Meanwhile, Rasha Abu Al-Ainin, spouse of the Egyptian Ambassador to Kuwait, emphasized that Africa is not merely a geographical location but a civilization, a spirit, and a memory spanning history.
She affirmed that the diversity of its peoples and cultures has formed a continuous human renaissance. She noted that the celebration is not just a protocol event, but a renewed declaration of a deep and evolving African identity.
Abu Al-Ainin praised the strength of Kuwait–Africa relations, built over decades of cooperation and development projects, stressing that Kuwait has played a pivotal role — through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development — in supporting sectors such as education, health, energy, and infrastructure in many African countries.
She added that Kuwait is keen to enhance its cultural and humanitarian presence in the continent through partnerships based on respect and mutual interests.
She concluded that relations between the two sides have gone beyond political dimensions to form deep historical and humanitarian bonds.
