When Asha Clementi first formed ACT-based initiative, Girls Run the World, in 2018, she convinced just two embassies to allow young women to shadow their staff for a day in its inaugural run.
This followed the 18-year-old successfully sneaking into a UN security council meeting, sparking the idea for an initiative designed to empower girls aged 18 to 25 to envision themselves working in the diplomatic space.
Last month, Girls Run the World finished their largest run yet, with 60 participants going to 30 diplomatic missions across Canberra.
Hayley Tobin, a 19-year-old student at ANU, and Ellie Mueller, a 22-year-old student at Deakin University, were stoked to participate in the two-day ‘takeover’ of the Qatar Embassy on 25-26 October.
Ellie, an intern at the Australian Institute of International Affairs, made the last-minute trip from Victoria to attend, after hearing buzz about the program at a conference the previous weekend.
Hayley learnt of the initiative at Model UN. “I thought I’d just give it a go and I couldn’t be more grateful that I did,” she said.
“As a first year, to just put my toe in the diplomatic field and get a better understanding of how an embassy works was the main appeal for me.
“We were very spoilt going to Qatar. They’re especially busy at the moment because of the World Cup, but they made time for us.”
Qatar will host the 22nd FIFA World Cup from 20 November to 18 December this year.
As well as learning the roles of each staff member, Qatar’s history and current space in public diplomacy, the girls were shown an overview of the plan to host the World Cup, including facilitating the stay of Australia’s Minister for Sport, Anika Wells MP.
“I definitely feel more confident and capable to explore a career in diplomacy,” said Ellie, who one day hopes to be involved in key peacemaking negotiations.
After signing up for a unit on a whim in first year, Ellie studied the Middle East “and I just fell in love with it”.
Hayley, on the other hand, had a unique upbringing that sparked her interest in diplomacy.
“My parents are international teachers, so I’ve lived overseas since I was eight years old,” she said.
“Being able to travel around the region and live in different countries really opened my mind up to how different cultures influence the way we think and interact. I want to continue that.”
On the impact of the Girls Run the World Program, Ellie said, “Women are underrepresented in key decision-making positions in general, but it is key to sustainable development for women to get those opportunities.”
“In class, when we’re looking at reports and research papers, women’s voices are very underrepresented,” added Hayley.
“It’s a subconscious thing, but you start to feel a little bit left out of the discipline.
“This initiative brings into focus that, yes, we do have an important role to play and can have our voices heard.”
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