Sonia Warner, SRO, DFID, seated on the Icebox |
Fiji represented some important firsts in
my life. First overseas posting, first time travelling around the world and
first experience of motherhood, all combined into such a fantastic experience
between 1996- 1998. The Pacific Islands are without a doubt one of the most beautiful
parts of the world. DFID’s Pacific Programme was never significant there and in
the process of winding down. But I was truly fortunate to visit places like
Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, Tahiti, Australia and New
Zealand. Interestingly, I had
responsibility for Pitcairn Island, the sole British Overseas Territory in the
South Pacific and home of the decedents of the Bounty Mutineers and the smallest
population in the world – about 50 people at the time. See: https://www.britannica.com/place/Pitcairn-Island. I never visited (it took weeks to get there
and back) but instead went to New Zealand to do business with Leon Salt, the
Pitcairn Commissioner at the time.
Despite all this movement, somehow, it was
also time to start a family and my daughter Lauren (now 21) is without a doubt
a product of the Pacific.
Lauren’s first year |
However, it was not all fun and games, as
one of my biggest challenges was dealing with racism and exclusion within the
British Mission and wider British expatriate community. At that time, there
were few people of colour on diplomatic assignments, but this was no excuse for
the treatment we had to endure. After this experience, I realise that it was
important to develop strong coping skills to deal with the narrow mindedness of
some colleagues and develop my own sense of belonging, reinforcing my right to work
overseas. I realised I was one of the
forerunners bringing diversity into the UK diplomatic service which involved
breaking down huge barriers to effect change.
But progress on diversity remains painstakingly slow. Over three decades have passed, and the
environment can often feel as toxic now as it did back then. But I remain committed to simply being where
I want to be, rather than where others may wish me to be. Friends and family
helped so much in creating a healthier environment and more bearable situation.
Some of these friendships remain to this day.
An enjoyable experience |
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