By Dr. Deekana T. Kaiser
The International Relations and Global Affairs (IRGA) Program of Mahidol University International College (MUIC) recently partnered with the Embassy of Canada to host and participate in a series of events advancing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, in conjunction with the visit of Lieutenant Commander Delphine Bonnardot, PhD, NATO Rapid Reaction Corps–France. This collaboration marked the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and Thailand.
On March 17, 2026 at MUIC’s Screening Room, over 170 participants gathered for a keynote and Student Speed Mentoring Workshop on “Leadership in Human Security.” In her keynote, “Gendered Weaponization: How Disinformation Shapes Security and Defence,” LCdr Bonnardot challenged us to rethink the meaning of security. No longer confined to physical battlefields, it now operates through narratives, information, and the shaping—often manipulation—of societies. Reflecting on her journey, she spoke of purpose to help women “spread their wings like butterflies.” She asked herself: “Where is it most difficult for women? Navy? Okay, there I will go!” Because it was there, in the hardest places, that change was most needed.
The session resonated strongly. As IRGA student Naruchit Songdejkanawadee reflected, “It was pretty wild to see how gender narratives are being turned into tools for defence and state-level threats… These topics feel super relevant to what we’re learning in IRGA right now.”
The mentoring workshop made the learning more personal. Students engaged directly with practitioners from NATO/Canadian Armed Forces, IOM, USAID, and the Embassy of Canada. When one student asked, “How can I possibly excel in so many areas without falling behind?” Christopher Miller, Former Director in Governance and Democracy, USAID, responded: “You don’t need to master everything… But if you want to explore many things, that’s okay too. Follow what truly matters to you. What feels disconnected now will one day connect and that is where your real value is built.” That was a pin-drop moment.
The experience extended beyond campus to the WPS Symposium (March 18–19, 2026) in Bangkok, opened by H.E. Ping Kitnikone, Ambassador of Canada to Thailand. There, Dr. Deekana T. Kaiser, IRGA Program Director, and MUIC students were invited to join global security leaders to help translate WPS commitments into operational realities, particularly through Thailand’s National Action Plan (NAP).
The room was in awe when MUIC 1st year student Nattanon Puttarangsee, the youngest and among the few men, stepped forward to present his group’s findings on the National Action Plan on behalf of experienced practitioners. This echoed LCdr Bonnardot’s message, “This is not a fight women can carry alone. We need men to step forward and open the doors for women to walk into a more equal world,” underscoring the critical role of male allies in advancing gender equality.
On Day 2, as Irene Serry, former Regional Director, Embassy of Canada, opened the day, she reminded us that we are “standing on the shoulders of giants, so that we can see further.” Dr. Deekana T. Kaiser contributed to the panel “Leading by Example: Women at the Frontlines of Peace and Security,” followed by a mentoring session with international practitioners. And perhaps that is what leadership truly is, not just standing on the shoulders of giants, but humbly becoming the shoulders others will one day stand on.
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About the Author
Dr. Deekana T. Kaiser is the Program Director for International Relations and Global Affairs and a development professional with 17 years of experience across Asia-Pacific, Africa and Europe in counter-trafficking, gender equality, and inclusive development. A survivor and advocate, she champions survivor-centered approaches to human rights.
