New Delhi: 22-year-old Ayesha Khan from Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh, won the ‘High Commissioner for a Day’ competition and the chance to be the UK’s top diplomat to India. She spent the day overseeing the UK’s largest overseas network, chairing briefing sessions, networking with dignitaries and meeting project beneficiaries.
Now in its third year, the ‘High Commissioner for a Day’ competition is a celebration of the 11 October ‘International Day of the Girl Child’ and was open to Indian women aged 18-23.
As part of the selection process, applicants were asked to record a one-minute video on why gender equality is important and whom they see as their biggest gender equality inspiration.
The competition saw an overwhelming response with applications received from across 14 states.
High Commissioner for the Day, Ayesha Khan said:
“My day was pretty hectic but also really fun and I got to learn a lot. Leading daily briefings, interacting with stakeholders from the UK and India, and experiencing the richness of multi-culturalism has been a great experience. I believe education is a powerful tool that can help achieve gender equality. I have been following the past winners of this competition and I thank the British High Commission for giving me this opportunity.”
Deputy High Commissioner for the Day (on other days, British High Commissioner to India), Sir Dominic Asquith said:
“I greatly enjoyed working for and with Ayesha for the day. She spoke articulately, passionately and convincingly on this important issue. I hope she found the experience as rewarding as I did personally. I wish her success - her ability clearly indicates a bright future.
I am delighted that we were able once again to celebrate this important occasion by demonstrating to young women from all walks of life that anything is possible, and by giving them the opportunity to realise their potential. The UK and India are working together as a joint force for good in the world and we share with India the importance of promoting the cause of gender equality. I hope this initiative will capture people’s imagination around India - whether they live in big cities or small villages.”
