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Daystar University School of Arts and Social Sciences, in partnership with the Daystar University Peace and International Students Association (DUPISSA) hosts the Women in Diplomacy Forum at the Nairobi Campus.
By Rukia Mboya
[Nairobi: Wednesday, October 22, 2025] The School of Arts and Social Sciences, in partnership with the Daystar University Peace and International Students Association (DUPISSA) hosted the Women in Diplomacy Forum under the theme “Shaping Global Policies for a Better Future.”
The event which took place at the Nairobi Campus DAC Auditorium brought together Diplomats, scholars, and students for conversations on women’s leadership in international relations, policymaking, and global development.
In her welcoming remarks, the Dean of the School, Dr. Josephine Munyao, highlighted the importance of empowering women in global governance and encouraged students to actively engage in discussions that shape the future of diplomacy. She emphasized that inclusivity and gender representation are important pillars in building just societies and promoting equity.
The event featured a well-planned lineup of speakers, including the Chief Guest, Rev. Amb. Aida Eriminio Wande, who is the Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of South Sudan in Nairobi.
Other esteemed guests included the Executive Director of the International Centre for Peace, Human Rights and Development (IPHRD), Ms. Susan Wamalwa, and the founder of Semezana Live Webinars, Mr. Jeremiah Muuo.
H.E. Amb. Wande shared insights from her years of experience in foreign service. She highlighted the importance of mentorship, networking, and resilience for young women aspiring to join the diplomatic field. “Diplomacy begins with understanding people. To influence global policies, you must first connect with humanity,” she said.
She concluded her remarks by reflecting on her personal journey, re-affirming that prayer had sustained and opened doors for her; beginning with internship at the South Sudan Ministry of Foreign Affairs to being elevated as a Grade 3 Ambassador prior to her graduation.
Speaking on behalf of the Ag. DVC ARSA Prof. Samuel Muriithi, the Director of the Daystar Leadership and Professional Development Institute (DLPDI), Rev. Dr. Patrick Musembi, who is also former Dean of the School, underscored the importance of women believing in themselves and aiming higher.
He noted that it is possible to achieve the desired results as long as people set their mind towards the goal. He encouraged students to be bold, curious, and informed, reminding them that effective leadership in diplomacy requires both empathy and strategic thinking.
The forum also featured a panel discussion on peace and inclusive diplomacy, moderated by Dalmas Bukusu, a student in the School of Arts and Social Sciences. The panelists included Ms. Susan Wamalwa, Ms. Sandra Adicu, Mr. Jeremiah Muuo and Ms. Bridget Mweseli. They addressed key issues such as the under-representation of women in foreign affairs, the role of youth in international cooperation, and the impact of social media on diplomacy.
Students had the opportunity to interact directly with the panelists during a Q&A session, gaining firsthand advice on career development, confidence-building, and seizing opportunities within global institutions.
In her closing remarks, Diana, a Congresswoman for SASS expressed gratitude to the speakers, the organizing committee chaired by Ziel Chan, and the attendees for showing up and making the forum a success.
The forum served as a reminder that when women take their rightful place in policy and decision-making spaces, societies get closer to a more balanced and better future.