Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Singapore Shares Insights on Gender, Leadership, and the Evolving Role of Women in International Relations

Singapore, 11 March 2025 – As part of the March 2025 focus on Women in Diplomacy, IN Diplomacy conducted an exclusive interview with H.E. Rabia Shafiq, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Singapore, who shared her perspectives on the challenges and triumphs of being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Q: As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, what challenges did you face in your early career, and how did you overcome them?

Ans: Diplomacy has traditionally been a male-dominated field due to the peculiar nature of the job. While I did not face any gender-related challenges at the Ministry or even abroad. Being a diplomat is inherently challenging, especially when it requires long periods away from loved ones and family. Interestingly, people I met during my postings abroad were a little surprised to see a female diplomat from Pakistan!

Q: Can you share a moment when you felt like you were breaking new ground for women in diplomacy?

Ans: Yes, I remember my time working for Pakistan in various countries like Paris, Ankara, and Chicago. These assignments allowed me to serve the Pakistani diaspora, and in doing so, I felt a strong sense of contributing to both the country’s global standing and the welfare of its citizens abroad. Each of these experiences added to my sense of breaking new ground, especially as a woman representing Pakistan on the international stage.

Q: How do you think women’s participation in diplomacy has evolved over the years, and what more needs to be done?

Ans: You might be surprised to know that over 35% of Pakistan’s Foreign Service officers are women. We have highly accomplished female diplomats such as Ambassador Tamina Janjua, current Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch, and my predecessor, Rukhsana Afzaal. Women need to have a seat at the table, particularly on issues that are not directly related to them. There is still more to be done in terms of promoting women to top leadership positions and ensuring equal representation at all levels of diplomatic service.

Q: How did your education prepare you for a career in diplomacy, and what role do you think education plays in empowering women?

Ans: I am fortunate to have received an education at esteemed institutions like Quaid-e-Azam University and Oxford University, where I pursued a diploma in diplomacy. I am also a huge supporter of girls doing STEM, being one myself. I believe that even if women don’t end up pursuing a career in STEM, the analytical and critical skills learned come in handy in any career.
One has to work long hours. From doing odd hour airport duties to visiting jails for consular access to recording minutes of meetings late into the night, I have done it all without playing the woman card.

Also, education is undeniably a powerful tool for empowering women, as it opens doors across various fields—administration, diplomacy, medicine, education, IT, and even the armed forces. I believe that empowering women through education creates opportunities for them to excel and lead in traditionally male-dominated spheres.

Q: What advice would you give to young girls and women who are interested in pursuing careers in diplomacy or international relations?

Ans: Foreign Service is a demanding career that requires a balance between professional and personal life. Women in this field must be resilient and forward-thinking but also adaptable to the pressures that come with the job. In addition to building professional competence, women must also look after their mental and emotional health to manage multiple demands. I would also urge families to offer their support, as diplomats often face long hours, time away from family, and unique challenges due to their roles. A supportive home environment is key to managing the demands of this profession.

Q: As a woman in a high-pressure role, how do you balance your personal and professional life?

Ans: Diplomacy is a challenging profession, and at times, balancing personal and professional life takes a toll. My family is based in Pakistan, and there are periods when I am unable to visit for several months. When we do have the chance to be together, we prioritize quality time. My husband, who is also a senior bureaucrat, often faces challenges with postings in different locations. Moreover, having strong social connections and doing some meditation also helps.

Q: What support systems do you have in place to help you manage the demands of your job?

Ans: I am fortunate to have a strong team of subordinates and staff members who help manage my professional responsibilities. At home, I also have a cook to cater for various events that an ambassador has to host and a maid to assist with domestic tasks, allowing me to focus on my work. Having a reliable support system is crucial in managing the multiple demands of both professional and personal life.

Q: What initiatives has Pakistan taken to promote women’s rights and empowerment, both domestically and internationally?

Ans: The Government of Pakistan has taken several steps to promote women’s rights and empowerment, both at the national and international levels. Domestically, the government has implemented policies aimed at increasing women’s participation in the workforce, improving access to education, and addressing gender-based violence. Internationally, Pakistan has been a strong advocate for women’s rights in various forums, such as the United Nations, pushing for policies that ensure equal opportunities, safety, and empowerment for women around the world. Pakistan is also a signatory to CEDAW, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, etc.

Q: How do you think the international community can work together to address issues like gender-based violence, equal pay, and women’s representation in leadership?

Ans: We must be vigilant in tackling issues such as gender-based violence, unequal pay, and the underrepresentation of women in leadership. The international community should promote laws and frameworks that ensure women’s rights are protected and that they are given equal opportunities in all spheres. It’s encouraging to see the recognition of women’s leadership roles, especially during March, as it serves as a reminder to all that we still have lots of work to do in fostering equality and creating a society free from violence.

Q: Who are some of the women who have inspired you throughout your career, and what qualities do you admire about them?

Ans: My mother is a medical doctor, and I have seen her working tough hours while growing up. I feel that there wasn’t anything lacking in my childhood; she was always there to pack our school bags, pick us up from school, and put us to bed. She had amazing energy to do all of this with a smile. In the Foreign Office, I have learnt so much from my colleague, who inspire me daily with their professionalism, dedication, and vision. These women demonstrate that merit, hard work, integrity, and perseverance are essential to success, no matter the obstacles.

Q: What do you hope your legacy will be, both as a diplomat and as a woman leader?

Ans: I hope my legacy will reflect the idea that women, when given a level playing field, can excel in any field. I strive to set an example that reinforces the importance of foresight, hard work, and service. I would like to be remembered as someone who not only contributed to diplomacy but also helped pave the way for other women to follow, ensuring that merit and dedication always outweigh gender.

Q: What advice would you give to women who are just starting in their careers and are looking for inspiration and guidance?

Ans: My advice is simple: Rely on merit, work hard, invest in continuous learning, and don’t shy away from challenges. Regarding women joining the Foreign Ministry, I would advise them to develop their expertise to become specialists and not generalists to deal with the evolving nature of diplomacy.