Volta Magazine Exclusive: Guila Clara Kessous – A Passionate Peace Ambassador
Would you imagine a woman, a humanitarian activist helping the Rohingya people in Bangladesh and supporting women victims in Congo with art therapy, to also become a muse for the prestigious French Printemps store during Fashion Weekfor a catwalk inspired by the peace we all yearn for? Well, it’s true! This remarkable woman exists. She is a UNESCO Artist for Peace named Guila Clara Kessous, an international diplomat and a committed ambassador for peace. She is also an expert in international negotiation consulting and a renowned executive coach, but above all, she is a woman who believes in the power of sisterhood.
With a clear vision for a better world grounded in the values of women's rights, she pours something priceless into her work: all of her heart! Five years ago, she founded and continues to lead the Femina Vox International Forum, which highlights the voices of women worldwide, focusing on their rights, societal roles, and diplomacy. Held this year on March 5th, this event celebrates International Women’s Rights Day.
In alignment with the United Nations’ 2025 theme, "For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment," the forum offers a powerful global platform for women from all sectors to share their struggles, successes, and dreams. Because gender equality is still far from being achieved, and every voice matters in advancing women’s rights worldwide, more than twenty speakers, including Nobel Peace Prize laureates, First Ladies, and activists, have already shared their experiences and propose concrete solutions to drive change.
This year’s theme calls for action to unlock equal rights, power, and opportunities for women, so we can empower future generations. Join me to discover the incredible spirit of Guila Clara Kessous – a truly one-of-a-kind individual.
Exclusive interview by Ada Iliopoulou
One might think that as times evolve, so would the progress of women’s rights. Sadly, that is not the case. Can you tell us more about the work you’re doing about women’s rights around the world?
A quick look at the numbers will reveal that women’s rights are still far from being realized. One in three women experiences violence in her lifetime, 70% of people living in poverty are women, despite performing over 75% of the world’s unpaid labor. Additionally, women hold only 26% of parliamentary seats and remain largely absent from international peace negotiations. While we refuse to fall into a victim mindset, these inequalities are a loud call to action. My work in women’s rights focuses on three key pillars. First, the groundwork: helping women who are victims of post-traumatic stress through art therapy, particularly drama therapy. By reconnecting survivors with their bodies through theater, "catharsis" – the expression of pain – becomes more accessible. Second, providing a platform for women’s voices through the International Forum Femina Vox, which I direct as UNESCO Artist for Peace. Finally, fostering women’s empowerment as an executive coach, working with leaders in both the private sector (C-suite, Fortune 100 companies), public sectors (Ambassadors, Ministers), and diplomatically through the “International Accords for Women in Diplomacy” initiative.
How did your commitment to women’s rights begin?
I clearly remember my encounter with Tatiana Bandalire Mukanire, head of the national movement of survivors of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. She shared her personal story with me presenting her text Beyond My Tears, using it as a tool for art therapy. One powerful passage, "Letter to My Executioner," stood out, where she told the man who raped her that although she would never forget, she would not let him steal her hate. These encounters, along with listening to executive women from around the world share their stories of patriarchy’s humiliations, made me realize that I had to dedicate myself to advancing women’s rights. Whether as an "artivist" (an artist and activist) or an executive coach for both private and public sectors, I decided to engage fully, while also honoring my humanitarian duties as a UNESCO Artist for Peace. My focus remains on driving progress for women’s rights.
Could you tell us more about the Femina Vox International Forum on March 5th at UNESCO, which you organized with prominent dignitaries from around the world?
I founded the Femina Vox International Forum five years ago to amplify the voices of women from all corners of the globe. For the past four years, the event has been held under the high patronage of UNESCO, and this year, it will take place at UNESCO on March 5th. My mission was to create a global platform where women from every sector of society could share their struggles, successes, and hopes in a safe, supportive environment. Over the years, we have welcomed many remarkable leaders who have offered their valuable insights and proposed actionable solutions to drive meaningful change. Notable participants include Nobel laureates Congolese Dr. Denis Mukwege and Iranian Dr. Shirin Ebadi, celebrated activists like Eve Ensler, fashion philanthropist Diane von Furstenberg, renowned artists, ministers, and royals such as Her Royal Highness the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, alongside First Ladies and esteemed actresses, including Claudia Cardinale and the First Ladies of Iceland, Greece, and Guyana.. Most importantly, the forum has provided a space for those on the front lines – individuals working across all five continents to create real, lasting change. Since its inception, the Femina Vox International Forum has hosted over 150 speakers, each sharing concrete initiatives to promote women’s rights in 112 countries, all while actively contributing to the global movement for gender equality.
The year 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a crucial milestone in the global pursuit of gender equality and women’s empowerment. How have you incorporated this significant dimension into the Femina Vox International Forum?
In 1995, in Beijing, the international community adopted the UN Declaration and Platform for Action for women’s rights. The Beijing Declaration continues to be a guiding force, shaping policies and driving investments in areas such as education, health, peace, media, political participation, economic empowerment, and the elimination of violence against women and girls. At the Femina Vox International Forum on March 5th, we are honored to welcome two exceptional women directly aligned with The Beijing Declaration from China: Mrs. Wang Yanping, an active participant in the Beijing Women’s Conference, and Mrs. Wang Xiangxian, an executive committee member of the Ninth National Women’s Congress. We will also be joined by Mrs.Yvonne Yung Hun, a distinguished Chinese actress and former beauty queen, who will discuss the cultural and artistic aspects of this milestone. We will welcome famous dancer Qian Qu to open the Femina Vox program. Together, we will reflect on the legacy of the Beijing Declaration and its profound impact on the world we live in today.
Could you explain what “Feminist Diplomacy” is?
The term “feminism” is often misunderstood today, so it's important to clarify what we mean by “Feminist Diplomacy.” It’s an inclusive approach, meaning it doesn’t exclude men from the process. Feminist diplomacy focuses on four key areas:
· Combating sexual and sexist violence.
· Ensuring universal access to education.
· Promoting the economic emancipation of women.
· Increasing women’s participation in politics, decision-making, and peace negotiations.
This concept is crucial because women and girls make up half of the world’s population and hold immense potential. Investing in them boosts economies, strengthens societies, enriches diplomacy, and, ultimately, secures a better future for all.
In the "Diplomatic Entrepreneurship" approach you’ve developed, you place significant responsibility on companies. How can businesses contribute to the peacemaking vision you envision?
Having worked extensively as an executive coach for companies, I can attest that business plays a vital role in international peace as an essential organ of society. “Diplomatic Entrepreneurship” ties directly to SDG 16, which focuses on world peace and the importance of global stability. A company is more than just a place for meetings; it’s a space for unity. We need to recognize that the real value lies not just in the profits, but in the relational journey that leads to them. It’s about collaboration, tolerance, and the ability to “agree to disagree” while moving forward together in the same direction. A company leader’s legacy shouldn’t just be about how they created jobs, but rather how they brought together people of diverse origins and nationalities, contributing to a reduction in hatred by emphasizing our shared humanity. Take, for example, large corporations with multiple branches in conflict zones—these companies can provide a framework for coexistence, as they have the unique ability to bring people together beyond political divides. These firms are living examples that, when we make the effort to truly know and work with one another, the ideological brainwashing that seeks to trap people in stereotypes can be overcome.
On a broaden approach, you are writing a book about “diplomatic entrepreneurship”, could you give us a sense of what it will be about?
Of course. Diplomatic Entrepreneurship offers a personal approach that empowers civil society to take action, fostering a more inclusive, multilateral way of living together. Just as entrepreneurial initiatives in business seek to disrupt and create innovation that generates value, 'Diplomatic Entrepreneurship' nurtures the emergence of civil initiatives—ones that generate human values, independent of economic gain. The aim is to dismantle barriers and foster connections, which form the foundation of diplomacy. A striking example of this is sports diplomacy: the ping-pong exchanges between the United States and China in the 1970s helped pave the way for renewed Sino-American relations. This ultimately led to U.S. President Richard Nixon’s historic visit to China in 1972—an unthinkable political event without this act of diplomatic entrepreneurship. Another initiative that can be qualified of“diplomatic entrepreneurship”. During Liberia's civil war, women played a crucial role in ending the conflict by organizing nonviolent protests and forming the Women of Liberia Mass Action for Peace. They staged mass sit-ins, held peace rallies, and used their collective strength to pressure leaders into negotiations. Their efforts ultimately led to the 2003 peace talks, resulting in a ceasefire and the eventual end of the war. This civil initiative seeking to create peace can be referred to an act of “feminist diplomacy”. Whether through cultural, artistic, sport, feminist initiatives, my book will encourage individuals to reflect on their own ability to structure “Diplomatic entrepreneurship”, keeping them connected to humanity while shaping the world through meaningful relationships for a global peacebuilding approach.
What is it to be a UNESCO Artist for Peace especially when war is so present in different places of the world?
I became UNESCO Artist for Peace in 2012 upon the recommendation of my PhD advisor, Nobel Peace Prize Elie Wiesel to UNESCO Director-General. This title is part of the prestigious UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors program. For more than five years, I have been organizing two international forums:
Femina Vox' for International Women's Rights Day on March 8th
World Art Day on April 15th
The rest of the year, I dedicate myself to grassroots work, offering executive coaching with creative methodologies for women's empowerment as part of the Coach50 circle, and engaging in humanitarian missions, such as working with Rohingya women in Bangladesh through dramatherapy or supporting women victims of sexual assault in Congo. Additionally, I created the podcast “Women on Board” to help women to be members of executive boards in collaboration with Harvard Business Review and I founded the 'International Accords for Women in Diplomacy,' traveling extensively to foster a global network of women committed to this cause.
I picture you wearing a peace-inspired dress designed by Valentino. Could you share more about your collaborations with renowned fashion houses and how these partnerships come together?
In 2007, I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Valentino at his farewell white collection. After the show, I shared a moment with him and invited him to the Eleganza Fashion Show I was co-elaborating at Harvard University with Jean Paul Gaultier to celebrate diversity through fashion alongside an inspiring student at the time, Nick Navarro, who later went on to found the Melange Fashion Show. I explained my work with art therapy as an “artivist” (a blend of artist and activist), and he responded in French with his unmistakable Italian accent, “J’ai la robe qu’il vous faut” (“I have the perfect dress for you”). That’s when I discovered Valentino’s iconic Peace Dress, which combines fashion and a powerful message of peace. The white gown is adorned with the word “peace” stitched in fourteen different languages across its front. Originally created as a statement on the Gulf War in 1991, this dress has since become a timeless symbol of peace. For me, it became not just a piece of fashion but a statement—almost like a uniform—that I carry as a symbol of my own advocacy for peace.
This year marks the season of your collaboration with Parisian-based luxury department store retailer Printemps. You’re a muse for the Paris fashion show on March 4th, held during Fashion Week in celebration of International Women’s Rights Day. Can you tell us more about it?
When I had the chance to meet with Jean Marc Bellaiche, CEO of Printemps Group together with Emmanuel Suissa, Chief Partnership Officer at Printemps Group, they reminded me the lead figure of Augustine Figeac, an important actress from Comédie Française, who founded the store together with Jules Jaluzot. She was embodying femininity and was the one to choose the name “Printemps” which means in French “Spring,” as a disruptive way to do a feminine temple of fashion and luxury store during the 19th century. Printemps store is directly linked to women’s rights as it was originally designed by a woman with the assertiveness of creating a different way to shop. The team “Parole Paris” came to me for this creative collaboration together with Printemps organizing a photoshoot symbolizing the pursuit of peace for women, featuring a live dove on set. It was aligned with the values I promote through the Femina Vox International Forum and I was thrilled to accept. This led to my role as muse on the runway for Paris Fashion Week’s celebration of International Women’s Rights Day. The show will take place on the iconic 7th floor of the Printemps store in Paris, often referred to as 'the 7th Heaven.' The images from this collaboration are profoundly poetic, paying tribute to both the strength and vulnerability of women crying out for peace.
You have worked with fashion icon as famous actress Eva Longoria who honored you with the Women Empowerment Award from her Global Gift Foundation. Why do you believe fashion has the power to change the world?
Fashion is for me a powerful vector for change because it has the ability to open minds to an imaginative world. In the face of the world’s violence, we need to dream—to envision a different reality where we connect through emotions. On another hand, fashion is deeply representative of the beliefs of the society we are living in. What fascinates me is together the dream part and the creative social statement that fashion reveals. One of my biggest inspirations in this regard is the fashion icon and philanthropist Diane von Furstenberg, who is not only celebrated for her genius fashion collections but also for her tireless advocacy for human rights and women’s empowerment. I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating artistically with brands like Cartier, as the Artistic Director for their antique jewelry collections, Jean Paul Gaultier as a Creative Designer, “Le Tanneur” as Guest Designer, Claudie Pierlot as Artist in Residence, and Quintessence as Guest Artist. Working with these brands is a true joy because of the creative challenges they present. My condition for any collaboration is always that a portion of the profits goes to charity, because as we say in French, “beauté” should always rhyme with “bonté”—beauty should be tied to goodness.
Who are some of your favorite designers that you would love to collaborate with in the future?
I’ve always admired Audrey Hepburn, and I would be thrilled to collaborate with one of her most iconic designers, Hubert de Givenchy. Hepburn’s approach to fashion was truly unparalleled—she showed the world that elegance could also be a powerful form of empowerment. Her roles in films like Sabrina, My Fair Lady, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s revealed the paradox that women often face today, balancing their femininity with the emotional complexities that come with it. Italian, French, American and even Greek designers (like the amazing Mary Katrantzou) continue to be among my favorites.
When I met you in Egypt and Cannes for your masterclasses, I saw firsthand the impact of The International Accords for Women in Diplomacy that you created. Many prominent women, including the First Ladies of Serbia and Iceland, the Queen of Congo, and the Minister of Sports and Youth in Egypt, have signed these accords. Could you explain more about them?
The creation of these accords stemmed from a conversation I had with the Ambassadress of the UAE, whom I was coaching at the time. I expressed my frustration about the exclusion of women from peace processes. For instance, in the Abraham Accords, Abraham, seen as the patriarch, couldn’t have had descendants without his wives. This sparked the idea for the 'Sarah and Hajar Accords' -a female- focused version of the Abraham Accords—inviting women from the governments of Morocco, the UAE, Israel, and Bahrain to sign, with the goal of promoting women’s rights in the Middle East and increasing their visibility in diplomatic negotiations. The accords, which have been hailed as "historic," were signed on April 23, 2023, with the sponsorship of Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Shirin Ebadi. Following the tragic events of October 7th, working on feminist diplomacy in the region became even more crucial, prompting the creation of The International Accords for Women in Diplomacy and the African Accords for Women in Diplomacy. These initiatives aim to elevate women’s rights and ensure greater female inclusion in international discussions, embracing not only government leaders but also women in business, culture, and social spheres, recognizing their vital role in what I call "diplomatic entrepreneurship."
You’ve had the privilege of collaborating with many First Ladies and Presidents around the world, including New Zealand's former Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern and President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania. Could you share some memorable experiences from those encounters?
One of the first iconic women I had the honor of meeting was Simone Veil, French magistrate, Holocaust survivor, and politician who served as Health Minister in several governments and was President of the European Parliament from 1979 to 1982, the first woman to hold that office. I was fortunate to connect with her through my PhD advisor Nobel Peace Prize Elie Wiesel and her influence continues to inspire my peace-building efforts through civil initiatives.. Another unforgettable experience was exchanging with Eve Ensler, the playwright behind The Vagina Monologues. Her creation of "The City of Joy," a refuge for Congolese women who had been victims of sexual violence, left a lasting impression on me. Additionally, I had the chance to collaborate with Amma, the Indian spiritual leader, who has embraced over 40 million people during her lifetime. Her message of compassion and service to the world’s poor is deeply moving. I’ve also learned so much alongside influential women like Christine Lagarde, the first woman to lead the European Central Bank; Claudia Goldin, the Nobel Prize laureate in Economics or Former French Minister Elisabeth Moreno for her powerful vision of women’s rights. These women have been an immense source of inspiration, showing the profound impact of leadership in promoting gender equality. The First Ladies you mention are particularly impressive because of the daily challenges they face in political power. For example, I admire the First Lady of Greece for a specific posture regarding her fight against gender violence. I also admire Dame Jacinda Ardern’s bravery when she decided to step down, acknowledging she was no longer the 'right person' for the role. As for the President of Tanzania, she is the only female head of government in Africa, which means she must make decisions with incredible care to avoid any gender biases that could be perceived by the public. To me, she is a true role model hoping she will play a strategic role for the African Accords for Women in Diplomacy. Reflecting on all this, I realize how all those women influenced me positively and give me the fuel to go further in my quest of equality.
You’re also a supporter of the Mothers for Peace movement around the world. Could you tell us more about it?
Listening to Naama Barak Wolfman from Women Wage Peace and Marwa Hammad from Women of the Sun explaining how Israeli and Palestinian mothers marched together for peacewas a true inspiration during the 2024 edition of the International Forum Femina Vox. The last event they initiated was a march in Jerusalem on October 5th, 2024, just before the tragic events of October 7th. I wanted for United Nations to listen to their voice for peace and reached out to Yael Deckelbaum, the extraordinary singer who wrote "Prayer of the Mothers," the anthem for these peace marches. I invited her to perform with me at the United Nations in Geneva, where we sang the song in front of diplomats who stood and applauded. Having mother’s voices being heard at the United Nations was a powerful moment, highlighting the role mothers can play in shaping a peaceful world, especially when it comes to protecting children from the horrors of war.
Can you tell us about UNESCO’s “Transforming MEN’talities” program?
UNESCO’s “Transforming MEN’talities” program seeks to engage men as allies in the fight for women’s rights. Through events, masterclasses, and initiatives, the program highlights the concept of "positive masculinities," aiming to unlock the potential of men and women working together for gender equality. Figures like Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Denis Mukwege, who has dedicated his life to supporting women recovering from sexual violence, serve as role models for men who champion women's rights. There are many men across different sectors who need greater visibility, as they are crucial to the global movement for gender equality. This is why I make sure to feature roundtable discussions about “Positive Masculinities” at the Femina Vox International Forum to promote collective action for women’s rights.
What would you like to say to every woman who silently endures her experiences in a man's world, often without the support of emotional intelligence?
To every woman in general, first I would like to emphasize the power of sisterhood. Sorority nowadays is not an option as we all need to support each other whether men or women to be more vigilant regarding sexism or sexual assaults. To every woman who feels isolated in the struggle you describe, I want to remind them that they are not alone. There are ways to connect, to speak about their suffering, and to begin healing. Whether through art therapy or through supportive women’s groups, the first step is to find their voice and share what they’ve endured. Many of the women I work with live in constant fear, particularly when navigating patriarchal systems. The impostor syndrome —the “negative parrot voice”in your head telling you that you’re not enough— is something that can be overcome. You are deserving, legitimate, and capable. It’s difficult to ask for help, but that’s the first step toward breaking free from your comfort zone. Once you take that small step, you’ll be amazed by the empowerment and freedom it brings. The courage to speak out and seek support can unlock your true potential.
Thank you, and we wish you the best of success!
