Women in diplomacy: Confronting challenges, shaping the future of global leadership

Over the past few decades, women have made significant strides in foreign affairs, rising to the ranks of ambassadors, ministers, and influential policymakers. Yet, they continue to face systemic barriers, gender biases, and institutional constraints that hinder their full participation in global diplomacy. A recent panel discussion at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy on February 26 in Abu Dhabi, featuring nine female ambassadors to the UAE from Barbados, Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Latvia, Mali, Malta, Slovenia, and the EU, shed light on key insights and recommendations aimed at enhancing the role of women in diplomacy.

Shifting landscape
Women have historically been underrepresented in diplomacy due to longstanding gender norms, unequal opportunities, and institutional biases. However, the landscape is gradually shifting. More countries are appointing female ambassadors, ministers of foreign affairs, and senior envoys, recognizing the unique perspectives and leadership styles women bring to international relations. Despite these advancements, women remain a minority in high-ranking diplomatic positions, and their career progression is often hindered by systemic barriers, societal expectations, and work-life balance challenges.

Stumbling blocks
Women continue to be underrepresented in leadership roles, and without concrete policies ensuring gender equity, they struggle to gain equal footing in the diplomatic service. Moreover, balancing career and family expectations remains a significant hurdle. Diplomatic careers often require frequent relocations, long working hours, and engagement in high-stakes negotiations, making it particularly challenging for women in higher diplomatic positions to manage both professional and family obligations.

Another key issue is burnout and the heightened institutional expectations placed on women. Female diplomats often face higher levels of scrutiny compared to their male counterparts, leading to career fatigue and exhaustion. Furthermore, unconscious bias and gender pay gaps persist despite growing awareness of these disparities. Women still face prejudices in professional settings, which can impact their career progression and earnings. In addition, limited access to support networks and mentorship programs deprives female diplomats of career guidance and encouragement, making it more difficult to navigate challenges in the field.

Steps to strengthen women’s role
To address these challenges, the panellists provided several recommendations to enhance gender inclusivity in diplomacy. One crucial step is establishing gender parity and equity policies within foreign ministries. By creating mechanisms that ensure gender balance in diplomatic appointments and leadership positions, governments can work toward meaningful and sustained progress. To guarantee implementation, an independent entity or committee should oversee these policies, ensuring accountability and enforcement.

Another important recommendation is the implementation of progressive family policies. Many women face difficulties in their diplomatic careers due to inadequate family support structures. Introducing family-friendly policies, such as free childcare services, maternity and paternity leave, and flexible work arrangements, can make it easier for women to pursue and retain diplomatic roles without having to choose between career and family responsibilities.

Developing mentorship programs and support networks is also vital for female diplomats. A structured mentorship program within the diplomatic service can provide career guidance, emotional support, and advice from experienced diplomats. Additionally, women should be encouraged to create and join professional networks that foster peer support and knowledge-sharing, ensuring that they are not left isolated in the demanding world of diplomacy.

Encouraging a proactive and confident approach among female diplomats was another key takeaway from the discussion. Women must be empowered to take initiative in their careers, assert their leadership skills, and seek opportunities to expand their influence. Additionally, having a supportive spouse or family environment can be instrumental in enabling women to thrive in diplomatic careers without undue stress.

Preventing unconscious bias
Unconscious bias and emotional intelligence training should also be integrated into diplomatic training programs. Addressing implicit gender biases can help foster a more inclusive and equitable work environment. Emotional intelligence training is essential for helping diplomats navigate complex interpersonal and cross-cultural negotiations. Furthermore, conducting a gender pay gap analysis will help track disparities in allowances and salaries, ensuring that women receive equal pay for equal work.

Women have made remarkable progress in diplomacy, yet challenges persist that hinder their full participation and success in the field. By implementing the recommendations discussed at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy panel, foreign ministries and governments can foster a more inclusive and equitable diplomatic landscape. Gender parity, supportive policies, mentorship, confidence-building, and training initiatives are crucial steps in ensuring that women continue to play a leading role in shaping global diplomacy. As we celebrate Women’s Empowerment Day, it is essential to reaffirm our commitment to breaking barriers and empowering women in all spheres, particularly in international relations and diplomacy.