Behind every policy decision, every leadership breakthrough, and every push for change, there are women reshaping the world.

Honoring International Women’s Day

Every March 8th, the world pauses to recognize the achievements of women and reflect on the ongoing struggles for gender equality. International Women’s Day is not just a commemoration but a call to action, reminding us of women's persistent barriers in leadership, policymaking, and academia. This year, at KDI School, we commemorated the day by highlighting the voices of women shaping policies, breaking barriers, and paving the way for future generations.

Mayra Villar: How KDI School Shaped Her Leadership as a Woman

Mayra Villar, a KDI School alumni (2024 MDP) and Third Secretary of the Directorate of Maritime Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru, reflects on how her time at KDI shaped her leadership skills and strengthened her role in policymaking. Studying at KDI School was a transformative experience that provided her with not only theoretical knowledge but also practical tools to navigate the complexities of diplomacy and policy formulation.

“The KDI School community is inclusive and committed to the empowerment of women in leadership and public policy”, she shares. Beyond academics, Mayra highlights the role of mentorship and women-led initiatives: “The Women Leaders Forum and other student-led groups played a crucial role in fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment. These spaces allowed us to discuss challenges, share strategies, and support each other’s growth.”

However, she acknowledges the broader challenges that women continue to face in leadership roles. “Gender stereotypes remain a major barrier, often casting doubt on women’s ability to lead or balance professional and personal responsibilities,” she notes. Despite these challenges, Mayra  highlights the progress being made, particularly in Peru, where more women are taking on high-level roles as career diplomats and ambassadors: “Although the gender gap persists, we are seeing a growing number of women in positions of great responsibility. Internationally, more and more women are leading diplomatic missions of significant importance, reflecting a meaningful step forward in achieving gender equity in foreign policy.”

Looking ahead, Mayra emphasizes the importance of representation and mentorship: “Women must continue to uplift each other, seek leadership opportunities, and push for systemic change. Education and networks are key to strengthening our voices in policy and diplomacy.”

Andrianony Ny Aina Ianjatina: Academia and Policy Research for a More Inclusive Future

As a 2024 Ph.D. candidate in Development Policy, Andrianony Ny Aina Lanjatina is determined to use education as a tool for empowerment. She emphasizes that academia provides women with the skills and confidence to navigate decision-making spaces. Her research focuses on how natural disasters impact food security in Madagascar, with a strong emphasis on gender-sensitive policies.

“Women disproportionately bear the burden during crises”, she explains. By bridging empirical research with policy recommendations, Andrianony aims to create more inclusive policies that address both immediate and structural inequalities.

She acknowledges the progress being made in gender representation within academia and policymaking. Her message to young women entering the field? “Education is the key to success. Knowledge empowers, opens doors, and strengthens your voice in decision-making. Stay resilient, seek mentorship, and support one another. Your contributions matter, and by breaking barriers today, you pave the way for future generations of women leaders.”

Women Leaders Forum: Creating Safe Spaces and Challenging Stereotypes

In celebration of International Women’s Day, the Women Leaders Forum organized an event titled Cultural Stereotypes and Our Rights. Led by Areeb Arshad (2024 MDP) and Nana Agyenim Boateng (2024 MPM), the forum created a platform for women to share experiences, address gender biases, and advocate for equal opportunities.

“This event was about creating a safe space for women to discuss challenges in academia, professional settings, and everyday life,” Nana explains. Discussions revolved around breaking cultural stereotypes and empowering women to claim leadership roles traditionally dominated by men.

Their message was clear: “Don’t be afraid. Speak up. Tell your story. Have your voice.” The event, in collaboration with the Human Rights Forum, reinforced the importance of dialogue in dismantling gender biases and advocating for policy changes that ensure gender equity.

A Call to Action

Every March  8th, International Women’s Day is a reminder that while progress has been made, the fight for gender equality is far from over. Through education, research, and advocacy, women at KDI School are driving meaningful change in policy and leadership. As we celebrate their contributions, we must also commit to fostering environments where women can thrive, lead, and shape a more equitable future for all.

The message for this day is clear: Education empowers. Representation matters. Leadership is for everyone. Let’s continue working towards a world where women are not just included in policy discussions but are leading them.