British Ambassador to Ukraine records inspirational speech for International Women’s Day

Dame Melinda Veronica Simmons DCMG very kindly recorded a message for the Chamber to feature at our International Women’s Day event at Peterborough Cathedral on 8 March, organised by our Inspiring Women’s Sector Group. The video is available to view on the Chamber YouTube page.

The Ambassador was keen to enlighten viewers to what women have had to endure in Ukraine but also to remember women across the globe in celebration of International Women’s Day.

Dame Melinda Veronica Simmons DCMG is a British diplomat, who has served as Ambassador of the United Kingdom in Ukraine since September 2019. She was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (DCMG) in the 2023 New Year Honours for services to British foreign policy.

An Ambassador represents His Majesty The King and the UK government in the country to which they are appointed. They are responsible for the direction and work of the embassy and its consulates, including political work, trade and investment, press and cultural relations, and visa and consular services.

The Ambassadors key standout comment was ‘if every woman in a country is involved in building the country, then the country can be a success’. Since the outbreak of war, thousands of women and children have been displaced and moved to a safer part of the country, or to another country. Those women that have stayed have had to run their communities, support vulnerable family members and learn how to live under occupation. They are working out how to rebuild schools, community centres and communities to make them viable. Many women are now serving in the Ukraine armed forced, including the frontline, and also involved in local authorities and decision making.

The Chambers’ International Women’s Day event also focused on a panel discussion surrounding this year’s theme of #EmbraceEquity. The panel was hosted by Katie Allen, a specialist Diversity, Equity and Inclusion consultant and Executive Coach, and founding Director of Katie Allen Consulting Limited.

This annual global day aims to recognise the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women across the globe.