The Diplomat’s Couch sat down with Mrs. Mirjana Grujić, President of the Diplomatic Spouses Association (DSA) Zimbabwe and spouse of the Serbian Ambassador, to discuss the role of diplomatic spouses in strengthening cultural exchange, community engagement and people-to-people relations. Established in 1981, the Association brings together diplomatic spouses from different countries and international organisations, providing a platform for friendship, mutual support and collaboration. In this edited interview, Grujić shares her experiences leading the organisation, its commitment to supporting local communities, the importance of cultural diversity and how diplomatic spouses can contribute to stronger connections between Zimbabwe and the international community.
The Diplomat’s Couch is a television programme produced by The Diplomat Africa.
The Diplomatic Spouses Association Zimbabwe has been operating since 1981. How has the role of the Association evolved over the years, and what does it represent for diplomatic spouses today?
Since we are almost the same generation as independent Zimbabwe, our organisation grew up together with Zimbabwe, sharing the challenges and celebrating successes in the development and well-being of the entire community. After the difficult years of the global COVID-19 pandemic, from 2022, the DSA became even stronger and more numerous, taking a respected place in both the diplomatic and local communities.
As President of the Association, what does your role involve, and what are some of the priorities you have for the DSA during your term?
The role of the President is a very responsible position and a demanding job, requiring passion, determination and 24-hour focus. At the same time, it is a great challenge and a big honour to lead and represent an organisation of around 100 people who have come to Zimbabwe from all around the world.
In the beginning, my main objective was to create a unique picture from different cultures, languages and nations, simply to make unity by mixing diversity, which is our motto and guiding principle.
Now, after more than a year of engagement, my further focus will be on providing more effective assistance to the local community and public institutions by supporting bigger and more complex projects. At the same time, we will continue promoting the diversity and richness of our cultures and traditions.
My innovative model has been organising monthly gathering meetings hosted by different embassies, specifically by the spouses of ambassadors at their national residences.
The Association brings together diplomatic spouses from different countries and international organisations. How do you create a sense of community among members who have different cultures, experiences and backgrounds?
Every nation has its own history, identity, culture, resilience and empathy for its people. When diversity comes together and mixes, it creates the richness and beauty of our world.
I come from Serbia, a multicultural and multinational country that is home to Orthodox and Roman Catholic Christianity, Islam and Judaism. From childhood, we learn to respect differences and share our cultures, languages, traditions and beliefs. We learn not only to coexist but also to celebrate our differences and promote them together.
This is the key formula we use within the DSA to create unity, a team atmosphere and a sense of community.
For diplomatic spouses who are new to Zimbabwe, how important is the Association in helping them adjust to their new environment and build connections in their host country?
The first message we wish to send to newcomers is that we are ONE strong structure based on unity, solidarity, humanity and tolerance. We aim to promote a culture of respect, dignity and charity.
To remind you of our motto: “We are ONE, we are the WORLD.”
We strongly believe that the active participation of the diplomatic community in the host country is essential in successfully promoting and implementing these common values.
Cultural exchange is one of the areas associated with the work of the DSA. How can diplomatic spouses use culture, food, arts and other forms of engagement to help people understand one another better?
Cultural promotion through the presentation of a nation’s folklore and heritage, art, handicrafts, gastronomy and historical landmarks represents the most powerful personal expression of a people’s identity.
By appreciating these differences and promoting them as the highest human values, we demonstrate respect for other nations and cultures and foster their integration into the broader global community.
We may all be different, but together we can enjoy and benefit from the many blessings of humanity, becoming spiritually and intellectually richer and more fulfilled.
The Association also works with local charities and communities. How does the DSA identify the causes it supports, and what role do diplomatic spouses play in these community initiatives?
We try to be closer to society and the people, to better understand the dynamics and movements within society and create a more objective picture of the main challenges.
With that foundation, we can perhaps be very helpful in creating a much deeper and broader understanding of current problems and coming up with more effective and concrete solutions to resolve them.
The Diplomatic Charity Bazaar brings together diplomatic missions, local businesses, artists and members of the public. What does the event tell you about the potential for collaboration between the diplomatic community and Zimbabwean society?
The DSA Diplomatic Charity Bazaar 2026, our fourth annual event and a masterpiece in a new era after the COVID-19 period, was a new challenge and test of our efforts and achievements. We experienced great success and an unforgettable atmosphere.
This year’s theme, “Together We Give, Together We Grow”, reflected the spirit of solidarity, generosity and partnership that inspired the DSA’s ongoing commitment to supporting vulnerable women, children and communities across Zimbabwe.
Special attention was given to celebrating national attire, traditional dance, and carnival and festival heritage, highlighting the rich cultural diversity of participating countries.
Throughout the day, we had a full stage entertainment programme featuring performances by famous and young artists who wanted to present themselves and support charity work.
Families were welcome, and there was a children’s corner with activities to keep children entertained while parents enjoyed the cultural offerings, food tasting, lottery and shopping.
From your experience as President of the DSA, what have interactions with Zimbabwean communities taught you about the importance of people-to-people relations in diplomacy?
If I had to summarise my experience in one sentence, I would say that I have been deeply impressed by the empathy of those who dedicate their lives to supporting the most vulnerable members of society.
At the same time, I admire the resilience and faith of those who receive assistance, as well as the optimism and warmth they radiate.
People here carry themselves with dignity and a strong sense of solidarity. They are modest in their requests, yet incredibly generous in expressing gratitude, kindness and respect.
Diplomatic spouses may have to adapt to new countries while also managing their own careers, interests and family responsibilities. What are some of the challenges they face, and how can organisations like the DSA support them?
We are represented at all embassies and have spouses from the UN system and other foreign organisations. Our members are encouraged to bring their newly arrived colleagues from embassies and the UN to apply for and register as members. They are very welcome, and some of them become immediately active and engaged members.
This is also one of our main goals: to increase membership and bring together people with diverse cultures, traditions, religions, languages and social backgrounds, as the DSA promotes cross-cultural understanding, tolerance, respect and empathy.
We really want to be a unique platform that helps members relate to others from different backgrounds and profiles. That is why we are fostering a common sense of local community and global citizenship, united in ONE.
Many members come from different professional backgrounds. How can diplomatic spouses continue developing their own careers, skills and interests while living in a diplomatic environment?
The DSA serves both as a platform and a framework through which everyone can continue to develop their expertise, professional knowledge and talents, and put them to use together in promoting culture, education, arts and diplomacy.
This is precisely why the organisation exists: to ensure that, during the challenging period of living abroad alongside their diplomat spouses, members have meaningful opportunities to engage in different activities rather than spending their time occupied with household work or routine moving around.
The DSA provides them with a visible and active role, rich content and a wide range of activities. This encourages everyone to devote themselves to community engagement and inspires them to continue with personal and professional development, acquiring new knowledge, skills and experiences.
As a woman leading an organisation made up largely of women from different countries, what have you learned about women’s leadership, collaboration and supporting one another?
Life constantly presents us with challenges that test our patience and strength, both in our relationships with the world around us and within ourselves.
Through these challenges, we grow stronger and develop deeper faith and hope for the future. When women support one another through these moments, that strength becomes even more powerful.
Looking ahead, what would you like to see the Diplomatic Spouses Association achieve, and what role do you believe diplomatic spouses can continue to play in strengthening Zimbabwe’s diplomatic and community relations?
Since my team and I assumed the presidency, we have launched many initiatives, projects and activities.
What I am most proud of is that the DSA has become recognised as a reliable and visible partner, an organisation that people trust and in which they place real hope.
The local community, institutions and the public consistently acknowledge the results we have achieved. Our partners and sponsors are also eager to collaborate with us.
Over time, the Association has grown into a kind of brand, one that is welcomed everywhere. People now approach us not only for assistance but also for advice and ideas on how to address some of the biggest challenges facing the community.
