Ambassadors for a day, inspiration for so much more

Photo credit: Vladan Avramovic

To mark the International Day of the Girl Child, as part of the British Embassy in Belgrade’s “Ambassador for a Day” initiative, we were delighted to welcome two wonderful young women, students Sara Božić and Mila Simeunović, to NGO Atina's social enterprise, “Bagel Bejgl”.

Sara and Mila had a unique opportunity to spend the day with the British Ambassador to Serbia, HE Edward Ferguson, accompanying him throughout his diplomatic engagements, meetings, and official events. During the day, they met the Ambassadors of Canada and Norway and discussed how women can build successful careers in diplomacy, the challenges they face, and the importance of women in decision-making roles. They also met other members of the diplomatic corps and attended a reception celebrating Spain’s National Day.

Their special day also included a visit to Atina, where we talked about our work and the support we provide to women and girls who have survived human trafficking and gender-based violence. We also discussed the importance of women's rights, solidarity, and young women's active participation in society.

Their curiosity, openness, and genuine interest made this encounter particularly meaningful. Our conversation with Sara and Mila reminded us how valuable it is to bring women of different generations together, exchange experiences, learn from one another, and create opportunities for young women to explore different professions, perspectives, and ways of contributing to social change.

Empowering girls and young women does not begin when we tell them they are the future. It begins when we give them the space, here and now, to participate, ask questions, and shape the world around them.

Thank you, Sara and Mila, for the wonderful conversation, your curiosity, and the energy you brought to Atina. You truly made our day!

We are also grateful to the British Embassy in Belgrade and Ambassador Ferguson for an initiative that gives young women the opportunity to discover the world of diplomacy, engage with women in leadership positions, and gain experiences that may inspire them to become decision-makers themselves one day.