Diana Abgar

Diana Abgar was one of those exceptional women in Armenian history who, decades ago, broke boundaries that still exist for many today. She was the first woman in the world to hold a diplomatic position. In 1919, she was appointed Consul General of the Republic of Armenia in Japan—an event recorded not only in Armenian but also in world history.
Born into the family of an Armenian merchant in Burma (now Myanmar), raised in India, she later lived in Hong Kong and eventually settled in Japan, where she fully dedicated herself to the issues of the Armenian diaspora. Her focus was on protecting refugees, addressing the fate of those who had survived the Armenian Genocide, and working toward the international recognition of Armenia’s independence. She wrote, spoke, met with people, and persuaded—often alone, without the support of any governmental mechanisms.
Diana Abgar used her pen and her voice as tools to influence both diplomatic and public spheres. Her articles and books were published in various international media outlets, presenting the truth that was often ignored—about the massacres of Armenians, the struggle of the diaspora, and the right of the newly established Republic of Armenia to exist. And she did all this at a time when women’s voices in the public arena were nearly silenced.
She was a leader—without a title, without loud declarations. Her persistence and consistency demanded attention. And it was precisely because of this trust that Armenia entrusted her with representing the nation—a woman who didn’t wait to be granted authority, but instead created it through her actions.

She was one of the first, but not the last. The legacy she left behind must become a source of inspiration for all the women and girls today who are searching for their voice—whether in business, government, or simply in their own lives.