International Women's Day Event

                   
 
Women in Trade and International Diplomacy

 

On Thursday, March 27, WIIT hosted its annual International Women’s Day event in collaboration with the International Student Housing in Washington, DC at their beautiful Dupont Circle location.  The event was moderated by WIIT President Moushami Joshi where the Honorable Rosemary Banks, New Zealand’s Ambassador to the United States, was the featured fireside chat speaker.  

In an engaging and enriching conversation, Ambassador Banks shared professional insights and observations from her rich experience as a public servant. Beginning with a useful history lesson on the origins of International Women’s Day she delved into her own career and the valuable lessons she has learned that still prove true today. Her most valuable advice for maintaining a long career was to retain a learning mindset and to stay healthy!

She provided helpful historical context to New Zealand’s approach to international trade as well as to country’s efforts to engage women in diplomacy and trade. Ambassador Banks is the first female Ambassador from New Zealand, and in her remarks she highlighted her country’s long support for women illustrated by a quote from the former New Zealand Premier William Fox (speaking in around the 1870s), “ Women are equal to men in their minds; more than equal to men in their influence on wise legislation and even more than men’s equal in promoting the true welfare of a country.”  

Thank you, Ambassador Banks for your generous time in celebrating International Women’s Day with WIIT and the student community at the International Student House!