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divas for diva

“the spouse of an

ambassador should take an

active and visible role”

corporate sector, and many in Japanese language and literature. I completed
serve in the military. By a one-year teaching course in Japan, in the city
2030, Kazakhstan aims of Urawa. I worked as a professor at the Kazakh
to achieve at least 30% State University (Almaty), the Eurasian National
female representation University (Astana) and in several other sectors.
across various sectors. Now many women are busy with themselves more
However, while women’s and more. While in the recent past all the wives
participation exceeds this of diplomats followed their husbands, in our time
target in some industries, many have chosen to remain in their country to
their involvement in certain work, or work online, including me.
elds remains insu cient,
which highlights the need What challenges do you face when moving from
for continued progress. one diplomatic assignment to another? How
A critical issue that must do your children cope with and adapt to these
be addressed is domestic transitions?”
violence against women. I talked about this with my children. It is not
Unfortunately, women sometimes fall victims easy for children to part with friends and familiar surroundings.
to such violence. Kazakh society rmly rejects ey might struggle to make friends in their new country, they are
violence and inequality. In 2024, the country very worried about whether they will nd mutual understanding with
enacted the Law on Ensuring Women’s Rights, their classmates. Over time, of course, children develop immunity, and
which strengthened penalties for violence against the relationship between parents and school can help with this. I live
women. Additionally, an action plan to promote through my children. ey have already grown up, I am proud of them.
gender equality was adopted, reinforcing the I understand that at one time I made the right choice in favor of my
commitment to a safer and more equitable children. Every move presents a new opportunity. e rise of remote
society. work has become an integral part of our lives, aligning perfectly
with my current interests. However, I remain adaptable and ready to
What are your priorities as a modern young embrace changes as they come.
woman married to an ambassador? How do
you nd the best way to balance your personal Are there any organizations or support systems in your country that
interests with the responsibilities that come with assist diplomats’ spouses and families in navigating and preparing for
being ambassador’s wife? new assignments?
In my opinion, the husband’s work, his activity Yes, we have an Association of Diplomats’ Wives, the activities of which
largely depends on the overall balance in the are of particular bene t to the spouses of young diplomats. In addition,
family. As an ambassador’s wife I would say the Association of Kazakh Diplomats makes a big contribution to
that his work takes priority over other matters. supporting families. Since the wives of diplomats are o en unable to
My husband came to diplomacy straight a er continue their careers, the current law in our country provides an
graduating from University. Initially, one does allowance for the wives and children of diplomats who are abroad.
not quite understand the challenges associated
with a life of a diplomat, particularly the How do you see the role of an ambassador’s spouse evolving in
complexities of relocation and the constraints on modern diplomacy? Should they step into a more prominent and
pursuing one’s own professional aspirations. But active position, or do you think a quieter, more behind-the-scenes role
it allows you to learn more about people, it is a carries greater signi cance?
great opportunity to talk about your country and In my view, the spouse of an ambassador should take an active and visible
gain more experience in the eld of diplomacy. role. is is particularly evident in Geneva, home to one of the world’s
largest diplomatic communities. e sheer volume of events, driven by
I graduated from the Kazakh State University, the presence of numerous missions and international organizations,
Faculty of Oriental Studies, where I majored leaves no room for passivity. Nowadays many countries have established

w w w. d i va i n t e r n at i o n a l . c h