Leading women in the postal sector from Bhutan, Cuba, Guinea, Moldova, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Syria contributed their views to the Congress thanks to a capacity building initiative on the empowerment of women supported by voluntary funds dedicated to training.
The programme is designed to build leadership skills and promote broader participation in the postal sector.
UPU data shows that only 30% of the heads of member country delegations attending the Congress are women. In response the fellowship initiative provides opportunities to strengthen leadership, increase engagement at the Congress, and facilitate knowledge exchange and cooperation.
Three of the fellows sponsored to attend the Congress are representing their countries as heads of delegation: Elise Koivogui, Guinea Post Deputy Postmaster General; Violeta Cojocaru, Posta Moldovei Administrator; and Jacqueline Adams-Ollivierre, Director of Postal Services at Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Postal Services.
Other attending fellows include Rinchen Zangmo, Bhutan Post’s Corporate Services Department Head; Meilam Weng Peña, Head of Postal Services at Cuba’s Ministry of Communications; and Racha Elikou, Director of Communications and Executive Support Member of the Steering Committee at the Syrian Post.
In their own words
In an interview with the UPU, the fellows highlighted the importance of ensuring women are included in postal decision-making processes like the Congress.
“The role of women in the postal sector is widely recognized – not as a matter of choice, but as a vital necessity for sustainable development,” said Elikou.
Koivogui added, “Women bring a more inclusive vision and are especially focused on human impact. Integrating women's voices means enriching decisions and accelerating innovation at the service of all.”
From Zangmo’s perspective, women bring unique qualities to the discussions.
“As a woman leader in Bhutan Post, I have seen how women bring teamwork, empathy and fairness in decision making. These qualities are very important as the postal sector changes and focuses more on customers,” she explained.
They underscored the importance their physical presence in Dubai would play in helping their own organizations achieve excellence.
“It's a great learning experience and I will be taking back a lot of it to my administration and to my executives to push forward the need for the transformation of the post,” said Adams-Ollivierre.
Cojocaru also added that it was an opportunity to discuss the role of women in the sector’s future.
“This Congress is an opportunity to exchange perspectives on the future of the postal sector – gender equality, the role of women, financial inclusion and the development of women entrepreneurs. It is also an opportunity to exchange better practices and establish new partnerships,” she said.
This was echoed by Weng Peña, who emphasized, “Sharing experiences with these women – listening, exchanging with them, postal leaders and the top managers of the Universal Postal Union, regional unions, and with our colleagues at different levels – strongly helps enhance the role of women. It helps us to find solutions taking place in different regions and experiences, and to draw common paths to continue promoting women's leadership in the postal sector.”
About the fellows
Rinchen Zangmo, Corporate Services Department Head, Bhutan Post
Rinchen Zangmo began her career with Bhutan Post, ascending quickly to a leadership role. She currently manages human resources, financial and procurement matters as head of the post’s corporate service department.
Meilam Weng Peña, Head of Postal Services, Cuban Ministry of Communications
Meilam Weng Peña is a legal professional who currently serves as the Head of Postal Services at the Ministry of Communications of the Republic of Cuba, a position she has held for over 10 years. She has represented Cuba in numerous regional and global postal meetings organized by the Postal Union of the Americas, Spain and Portugal (PUASP), as well as the Universal Postal Union, actively participating in conferences and high-level discussions aimed at modernizing the sector.
Elise Koivogui, Deputy Postmaster General, Guinea Post
Elise Koivogui recently joined Guinea Post as Deputy Postmaster General. Her prior leadership roles in communications include the country’s Ministry of Posts, as well as the Prime Minister’s Office. She has over a decade of experience in communications, public relations, and human resources management. Beyond her career, she is deeply engaged in civic initiatives, mentoring, and women’s leadership networks.
Violeta Cojocaru, Administrator, Posta Moldovei
Violeta Cojocaru is an experienced executive with over two decades in leadership roles across state enterprises and public institutions, specializing in management, administration, and legal affairs. Currently Administrator of Posta Moldovei, she has successfully led organizational strategy, compliance, and international cooperation in postal and financial services. Holding a Doctor of Laws, she has complemented her career with international training in governance, leadership, and business integrity.
Jacqueline Adams-Ollivierre, Director of Postal Services, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Postal Services
Jacqueline Adams-Ollivierre is the Director of Postal Services at St. Vincent and the Grenadines Postal Corporation, overseeing operations, strategy, and stakeholder engagement. Her career spans leadership in postal administration, hospitality management, and government auditing. She holds an MBA.
Racha Elikou, Director of Communications and Executive Support and Member of the Steering Committee, Syrian Post
Racha Elikou began her career as a junior staff member in 1991 and has dedicated over three decades to Syria Post. Today, she directs planning, public relations, communication, and executive support, in addition to serving as a member of the Steering Committee.