Some of the world's most important finance ministers have gathered in Bermuda to make key economic decisions -- whose effects may be felt well into the 21st Century.

And although 53 countries have sent representatives to the Commonwealth Finance Ministers Conference, few of the finance ministers are female.

But there are women playing an important role at the high-level meeting. One is from a region where men have generally held the reins of power for centuries.

Tuelanyana Ditlhabi Oliphant, Botswana's High Commissioner to Britain was one of the few female African delegates to take part in the this week's conference at the Southampton Princess.

Yesterday, during rare spare time Mrs. Oliphant told The Royal Gazette that it had not been easy for a woman to break through the top ranks of the diplomatic world.

"I was lucky that I had the potential and that it was recognised by others,'' she said. "But women always have to be three times better and more professional than men.'' With a background in public administration and politics, Mrs. Oliphant recalled that she began her diplomatic career in Washington D.C. in 1985.

In 1988, she spent two years representing her country in at the United Nations.

The Republic of Botswana, located in southern Africa, borders Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia. The principle languages are English and Setswana.

The government is a parliamentary democracy and the currency is called the Pula.

Mrs. Oliphant recently took up the post as Botswana's High Commissioner to Britain in July.

"I just started last month, before that I was the High Commissioner to Namibia for six years,'' she said.

Mrs. Oliphant explained that as High Commissioner her primary role was to act as a representative of her government.

"I also promote good relations, find out what kind of investments can be established between the countries and I take care of our citizens in that country.'' Mrs. Oliphant added she was happy to be considered a role model for other African women, but said she did not feel any additional pressure as one of the few female African diplomats.

"I'm just being myself and natural and I don't try to overwhelm myself,'' she said. "I think we need to realise that men and women are different and we have different strengths. We can only perform to a level that our strengths can provide.'' She said she felt that her role in the Commonwealth Finance Ministers Conference was one of a resource person.

"I am High Commissioner to Britain and Britain plays an important role in the Commonwealth,'' she said. "I see my role as a resource person. I inform my country about the goings on in the Commonwealth.'' Unofficially speaking, Mrs. Oliphant said she would like to become familiar with the duties of the Commonwealth during the conference and its financial issues like debt and money laundering.

Stressing that she believed the future of the Commonwealth, which evolved out of the British Empire, was an important one, she added: "The countries have the same objectives and goals while operating under a relaxed atmosphere. I believe that it still has a role to play.'' And Mrs. Oliphant had nothing but praise for her local hosts.

"I love it here. It is a fantastic Island. It's clean, green, peaceful and the people are very friendly. It would have been nice to bring my family.'' She also invited Bermudians to experience her homeland, Botswana, pointing out that they would have much in common with her 1.4 million countrymen.

"Bermudians should go to Botswana and to Southern Africa,'' Mrs. Oliphant said. "You would find the region very different and enriching. Botswana has great game reserves and you would enjoy the people. They are very relaxed. You have much in common with them.'' NO LONGER A MAN'S WORLD -- Botswana's High Commissioner to Britain, Tuelonyana Dithabi Oliphant at the Commonwealth Finance Ministers Conference.