Mazoka Assumes Presidency of London’s Women in Diplomacy Network
The High Commissioner of the Republic of Zambia to the United Kingdom, Her Excellency Macenje Mazoka, has assumed the role of President of the Women in Diplomacy Network in London.
The handover ceremony, hosted at the Embassy of Chile, celebrated the outgoing President, Her Excellency Ximena Fuentes, Ambassador of Chile, and welcomed the incoming leadership.
High Commissioner Mazoka succeeds Ambassador Fuentes, who held the voluntary role for one year. In her remarks, Ambassador Fuentes commended Mazoka’s distinguished diplomatic career, highlighting her professionalism, integrity, and vision.
She also emphasised the critical role women diplomats play in promoting gender equality, advancing human rights, shaping international cooperation, and ensuring women and girls have equal access to education, resources, and leadership opportunities.
Upon assuming the Presidency, High Commissioner Mazoka expressed gratitude to Ambassador Fuentes for her outstanding leadership and inclusivity, which have strengthened the Network as a platform for solidarity, mentorship, and collaboration among women diplomats in the UK.
She described the Network as “a community of purpose that champions equality, amplifies women’s voices, and supports one another in navigating the unique demands of diplomacy.”
High Commissioner Mazoka outlined three core priorities for her tenure:
- Visibility – Elevating the profile of women diplomats through structured dialogue, mentorship initiatives, and public engagement.
- Collaboration – Strengthening partnerships with other diplomatic networks and UK institutions committed to gender equality and inclusive leadership.
- Empowerment – Creating opportunities for younger and emerging diplomats to contribute and lead, ensuring a pipeline of future women leaders in diplomacy.
She also acknowledged the vital support of the Network’s incoming Vice President, Her Excellency Katerina Stavreska, Ambassador of North Macedonia, and Elizabeth Stewart of the Embassy Network, whose coordination underpins the Group’s effectiveness.
Highlighting the strength that comes from diversity, High Commissioner Mazoka said the Network embodies the richness of different backgrounds, regions, and perspectives represented in London’s diplomatic community. “Together, we will continue to redefine what modern diplomacy looks like, and what women’s leadership can achieve,” she affirmed.
Her assumption of the Presidency comes at a time when Zambia is advancing its transformative agenda on gender equality and women’s empowerment, including progressive national policies, strengthened legal frameworks, and innovative measures to expand women’s participation in leadership, peacebuilding, and the economy.
Zambia’s leadership of the Women in Diplomacy Network not only reflects High Commissioner Mazoka’s personal commitment but also showcases the country’s broader innovations in women’s and gender policy, demonstrating that embedding gender equality in law, policy, and practice is a powerful driver for resilient diplomacy, inclusive development, and sustainable peace.
