Page 5 - IFAFA ebook v4

foreword

About the project.

Diplomats generally relocate every few years and spend a

significant part of their career abroad. As a consequence, their

spouses, partners and children who accompany them on postings

face particular challenges to their lives.

Founded in 1979 when a number of spouses identified the need

for an organised support group, the Irish Foreign Affairs Family

Association (IFAFA) unites spouses, partners and family members

of Irish diplomats. IFAFA works on a voluntary basis and helps

family members of DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs and

Trade) officers to address the many issues arising from frequent

relocations.

A common public image of diplomats is often based on official

and representational events, creating a distorted picture of the

lived experience of diplomatic life. Our project aims to offer an

alternative, and perhaps more accurate, narrative by portraying

families of Irish diplomats as people in their own right, in an

environment of their own choice and speaking in their own voice.

To commemorate the 40th anniversary of IFAFA, over 50 family

members of Irish diplomats, currently serving and retired, are

presented in a collection of 35 portraits and 40 accompanying

stories. Our sitters, men and women of different backgrounds,

ethnicity, marital status or sexual orientation, represent at least

15 different nationalities and their ages range from 5 years to

over 70. Each accompanying

story reflects a unique experience and an honest glimpse behind

the scenes of the public face of diplomacy.

The project was carried out in cooperation with artist

photographer Christine Bory. As the spouse of a diplomat,

Christine had a particular empathy for our project. She kindly

granted IFAFA permission to use the photos in this ebook free of

charge.

IFAFA Committee 2018-2020

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