Jerusa Ali, Foreign Affairs Director General

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – If you dream of becoming and ambassador, start now.

That’s the advice from Jerusa Ali, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

JERUSA ALI – DIRECTOR GENERAL, MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

“If today you’d like to be an ambassador in 20 years, what you have to do now is learn a foreign language.”

As the third woman to ever hold this position, Ali leads a ministry where women have a powerful presence. In fact, The Bahamas has one of the highest per-capita rates of women in diplomatic posts.

For her, International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on that impact.

JERUSA ALI – DIRECTOR GENERAL, MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

“International Women’s Day is a great time to spotlight the work of women, our gender, our impact, and the way we think and lead. Our leadership style is quite different from men’s, and I really enjoy reflecting on the women in my ministry and our contributions at this time of year.”

And right now, Ali says women’s leadership in foreign policy is more crucial than ever.

JERUSA ALI – DIRECTOR GENERAL, MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

“I think women’s voices in peace and security are especially important. We’re in troubling times, facing regional insecurity, and we need women as negotiators and mediators, bringing parties together.”

The possibilities for career opportunities in foreign service, she says, are endless.

JERUSA ALI – DIRECTOR GENERAL, MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

“You can work for a regional or international organization, serve as a foreign service officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or become an international project officer in another ministry. You can even work for another government, either as an intern, a proper officer, or a specialist.”

From Our News to the women of The Bahamas, at home and abroad.

Happy International Women’s Day!