Gender Disparities in Diplomacy: Challenges and Progress for Women in International Relations

 

Gender Disparities in Diplomacy: Challenges
and Progress for Women in International Relations

 

By Tonka Kostadinova
Visiting Research Associate, ELIAMEP
Marie Sklodowska Curie Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Cyprus

 

 

 

 

 

“In 2024, only 21% of global ambassadorships were occupied by women, with the highest average number of women ambassadors appointed by liberal democratic states such as Canada, Sweden, Finland, Norway and New Zealand…

“The underrepresentation of women in senior diplomatic roles reflects a persistent glass ceiling in international relations.”

 

 

In recent decades, women have made substantial progress in entering the traditionally male-dominated fields of diplomacy and international relations, gaining increased representation and visibility as diplomatic professionals and foreign policy agents. Female diplomats now make up between 40% and 60% of the workforce in many Foreign Services across the globe.

The increasing presence of women in diplomacy has not only diversified the field but also brought new perspectives and approaches to international relations. Many countries, including Canada, France, Germany, Spain, Mexico and New Zealand have adopted a women’s friendly foreign policy with a focus on gender equality and human rights. This approach aims to address longstanding gender disparities in various spheres, including political representation and economic empowerment.

These positive trends notwithstanding, the diplomatic field continues to fall short in achieving a truly equitable and inclusive environment for female diplomats.

Gender equality, even though increasingly prioritised in foreign policy agendas, is far from being achieved at the level of everyday diplomatic practices and foreign policy making.

Women continue to be underrepresented in diplomatic arenas, facing numerous challenges that prevent them from acting effectively as diplomats, such as work-life balance, glass ceiling, and gender-based stereotypes.

These challenges often stem from the institutional characteristics of the environment in which diplomats operate.

Formal and informal institutional barriers continue to affect women’s career trajectories, from recruitment processes to the allocation of policy domains and career advancement opportunities. For example, gendered divisions of labour often send men and women in different directions in diplomacy by assigning women to more “feminine” areas such as multilateral diplomacy, cultural affairs, development and humanitarian aid. These areas, while important, typically carry less visibility and strategic significance within foreign offices compared to the high-status positions that are predominantly held by men. These institutional segregations are rooted in deeply ingrained stereotypes, which associate leadership and power in international relations with masculine traits.

Male diplomats are often perceived as natural embodiments of national strength and authority, better equipped to navigate national interests in the complex terrain of international politics and global diplomacy. Women diplomats, on the other hand, are typically associated with traditionally feminine traits such as empathy and cooperation, which are sometimes viewed as incompatible with the assertiveness and strategic thinking required in high-stakes diplomatic negotiations.

 

“Gender stereotypes in diplomacy may extend beyond internal biases within domestic foreign services. Some receiving countries, for example, interpret the appointment of a female ambassador as a signal of diminished importance in bilateral relations, reflecting deeply ingrained societal prejudices…

“Advancing women’s empowerment in diplomacy beyond enhanced numerical representation thus requires a comprehensive approach that includes policy reforms, cultural shifts within diplomatic institutions and increased awareness of gender biases in the field of international relations.”

 

Gendered expectations of leadership styles influence not the allocation of diplomatic portfolios, but also the representation patterns in positions of influence and power. While women are comparatively well-represented in entry and mid-level positions, they remain underrepresented in senior leadership roles, such as ambassadorships and ministerial positions, as evidenced by the 2024 Women in Diplomacy Global Index.

In 2024, only 21% of global ambassadorships were occupied by women, with the highest average number of women ambassadors appointed by liberal democratic states such as Canada, Sweden, Finland, Norway and New Zealand.

Even among countries that have explicitly committed to advancing women’s rights in foreign affairs and adopted National Action Plans for the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda, the average percentage of women ambassadors is only 23%, marginally higher than the global average. This data reveals a stark contrast between the growing international commitments to promote gender equality and the actual representation of women at the highest echelons of diplomacy.

The underrepresentation of women in senior diplomatic roles reflects a persistent glass ceiling in international relations. Moreover, gender patterns are present even when women do reach the ambassador level. Existing research has shown that there is a global trend of male ambassadors occupying positions of higher political, economic, and military status more often than women. In most of the diplomatic services across the globe, female ambassador appointments to G7 or BRICS capitals remain below the threshold of tokenism.

The most coveted and strategically significant postings, typically to capitals like Washington, Moscow, London, Beijing, Paris, Berlin and Rome remain largely inaccessible to women.

Furthermore, gender stereotypes in diplomacy may extend beyond internal biases within domestic foreign services. Some receiving countries, for example, interpret the appointment of a female ambassador as a signal of diminished importance in bilateral relations, reflecting deeply ingrained societal prejudices.

The implications of such stereotypes are far-reaching, affecting not only individual careers, but also the efficacy of diplomatic missions and international cooperation.

When female ambassadors are perceived as less influential or important, it can hinder their ability to negotiate effectively, build strong relationships with host country officials, and represent their nation’s interests.

This “devaluation” of women in diplomacy can lead to missed opportunities for collaboration, reduced diplomatic influence, and a narrower perspective in global decision-making processes.

Addressing these stereotypes requires concerted efforts from both sending and receiving countries to recognise and value the contributions of diplomats regardless of class, race, and gender, thereby enhancing the overall quality and effectiveness of international diplomacy.

Advancing women’s empowerment in diplomacy beyond enhanced numerical representation thus requires a comprehensive approach that includes policy reforms, cultural shifts within diplomatic institutions and increased awareness of gender biases in the field of international relations.

Institutional measures may involve establishing clear benchmarks for gender representation at all levels of diplomatic service, gender sensitivity training for all diplomatic personnel, mentorship programmes to support women’s career progression, and the promotion of work-life balance policies that accommodate the needs of both men and women.

Only by addressing these issues through a comprehensive approach, national foreign services can work towards closing the gap between aspirational gender equality policies and their effective implementation in everyday diplomatic practices and foreign policy making.