Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK Abida Islam was awarded the 'Champion for Women's Rights and Gender Equality' at the Women in Diplomacy ceremony held at the Embassy of Mexico in London. Photo : BSS.

DHAKA, July 30, 2025 (BSS) - Bangladesh High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Abida Islam has been conferred with the prestigious 'Women in Diplomacy' Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to promoting women's rights and gender equality in the diplomatic arena.

The accolade, presented under the category "Champion for Women's Rights and Gender Equality," was handed over to the envoy at a ceremony held at the Embassy of Mexico in London on Tuesday evening, according to a message received here this morning. 

The event was hosted by the Women in Diplomacy Secretariat, a dedicated forum of female diplomats serving in London-based missions.

Mexican Ambassador to the United Kingdom and current President of the Women in Diplomacy Network Josefa Gonz lez Blanco Ortiz Mena presented the award to the Bangladeshi envoy before an audience of some 50 women diplomats from various foreign missions.

The honour recognised High Commissioner Abida Islam's continued advocacy for women's empowerment and her commitment to gender-inclusive practices throughout her diplomatic career. 

Her leadership on gender equality was particularly evident during her previous postings as Ambassador to South Korea and Mexico, as well as her current role as High Commissioner in London.

Since assuming office in the UK, Abida Islam has actively worked to strengthen gender equality both within the Bangladesh High Commission and among the wider Bangladeshi diaspora in the United Kingdom.

She joined the Bangladesh Foreign Service in November 1995 as part of the 15th batch of Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) and has served in various key positions within the foreign ministry in Dhaka, particularly in the divisions dealing with international relations.

The Women in Diplomacy Network was established to promote female participation in diplomacy and build professional networks among women diplomats across the globe.