Introduction: The Feminine Art of Diplomacy
This analysis argues that while Clare Booth Luce eloquently reflects on the innate skills of women in diplomacy, suggesting that diplomacy is a distinctly feminine art, the current reality presents a stark contrast with the underrepresentation of women in diplomatic positions globally. If diplomacy is truly a feminine art, then why do we observe a predominance of male figures in this field? This contradiction compels us to reconsider whether diplomacy is inherently a one-gender-dominated domain or if it encompasses skills that transcend gender boundaries. Ultimately, if diplomacy is indeed tied to traditionally feminine qualities, we should expect to see a more equitable representation of women in international diplomacy.
As of 2023, the representation of women in various sectors is approximately 20.54%, indicating that women hold less than half of the positions in these domains. This figure varies significantly across different regions. For instance, in Nordic countries, representation was 42% in 2019, with a notable increase over the past decade. Conversely, in the Middle East and Asia, representation remains substantially lower, at 11% and 13%, respectively, highlighting a stark disparity in gender representation globally.
How do female ambassadors impact bilateral relations differently compared to their male counterparts? This analysis, while focusing on a bilateral perspective, reveals that the representation of female diplomats at both international and national levels frequently differs from that of their male counterparts. Despite efforts to examine this issue through an inter-governmental lens, significant disparities in female representation remain evident.
Intersectionality is essential for understanding the diplomatic experiences of female ambassadors, as it provides a nuanced gender-based analysis of both constructive and systemic disparities. From a democratic perspective, intersectionality examines the interplay of overlapping identities, which reflects the diversity within multilateral affiliations and contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of these dynamics.
This Figure demonstrates an apparent increase in the proportion of female ambassadors between 1968 and 2021, illustrating a change towards equal representation of men and women in diplomacy remarks. Notable, the most substantial gains occurred after 2003, indicating the introduction of legislation or shifts in culture that promote the presence of women in diplomacy. Considering this growth, the aggregate proportion is still inadequate, showing the continuing discrepancy between genders in executive roles. The findings highlight the relevance of ongoing initiatives to increase female engagement in international affairs and foster equity in mediatory spheres.
Impact of Female Ambassadors on Diplomacy
In democratic systems, inclusion and tolerance are crucial, which makes the involvement of women in multilateral settings indispensable. This inclusion enhances areas such as peaceful negotiations, human rights advocacy, development, and business, international trade, international security, climate change, cultural diplomacy, and so forth.
“Representation matters. Diversity enhances decision-making, better addresses the needs of a wider population, and embodies a commitment to inclusion and tolerance”. The so-called favourable representation of female diplomats, emphasizing their expertise and management, has a tremendous impact on public opinion and generates an inspirational description for subsequent generations of women in diplomacy. Those advantageous illustrations not solely boost the perception of female ambassadors, but also contribute to removing long-held prejudices about diplomatic activity as a patriarchal domain. This change in framework may facilitate higher recognition and endorsement of women’s involvement in diplomatic roles, resulting in a more varied and equal international landscape.
In what ways does the presence of a female ambassador influence diplomatic negotiations, and to what extent should gender be considered a significant factor in achieving negotiation objectives and outcomes?
Female ambassadors often encounter various challenges and barriers, one of the most significant being their tendency to serve in more gender-tolerant states rather than in less developed countries with lower income levels and Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This inclination reflects the differing levels of gender inclusivity and support within these environments. Accordingly, it demonstrates a sequences-of regional discrepancies among female diplomats: In 2023, Europe leads with 28% representation, implying a more proactive approach to achieving political gender parity in diplomacy. Oceania accounts for around 26.38%, primarily due to New Zealand and Australia, whereas the Americas accounts for 25%, half of which comes from Canada and the United States. This compares with the worldwide average of 20.54%. In reality, the equivalent statistics for Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa area are considerably lower, emphasizing the need to take additional initiatives in these countries to enhance gender balance.
Public Perception and Media Representation
Recognizing how female diplomats are portrayed in the media is vital, as it shapes both public opinion and affects international diplomatic relations. The way female diplomats are presented in the media can influence public perception and bilateral relations. For the representation of the Media, certain things have a great impact on the illustration of female diplomats which can be viewed from three different perspectives involving advocacy, portrayal, and structural and collective mindset.
It is not a mystery that for the past decade, female advocacy in media scope has not been demonstrated as desired as of their male peers. Conversely, over recent years, the portrayal of female ambassadors increased as females started to engage in politics more often. This is called “visibility” which enhances the noticeability of females in political and so-called “not so womanish” spheres and encourages other counterparts to support and legitimise, sort of normalize it.
Now gender disparity can be represented through different media frameworks which advertisements, film, news, politics, and sports. However, if we take a look at previous segments of media advocacy, women were not portrayed as powerful as today. The presence of women diplomats signifies a nation’s dedication to promoting gender equality and enhancing diversity within its diplomatic ranks. They are essential as normative power. Their positive image in the public domain gives another country all the more reason to be in its good books but also nurtures the diplomatic relationship. Moving beyond the male-dominated decision-making bodies, diversified perspectives generate more effective decision points, especially in intercontinental negotiation, since they unlock a broader conceptual and propositional space. Also, the large number of female ambassadors inspires local women in the home countries and the host country to be more politically active for common values of self-determination and equal rights, thus reinforcing bilateral relationships.
“Press is more likely to distort the message of female than male senators and women receive less coverage”. Disappointingly, when the representation of male counterparts is indeed overextending the portrayal of female diplomats, which leads to the result that women are not eligible for the roles of political spheres, government sectors, and international and national relations. For instance, the contemporary research executed by L. Kim. Fridkin and Patrick. J. Kenney that media indeed twist the bulletins of female senators more than those of male senators, thus women inherit self-evidently lower coverage.
In an example of Hillary Clinton’s TV news coverage, Shawn J. Parry Giles came with the consequences that media indeed have a significant effect on how people evaluate the credibility of politicians. This led to the assertion that although women’s representation, it undoubtedly challenges the conservative notions of womanhood.
A new analysis of Sunday morning political conversation programs reveals considerable statistical fluctuations among attendees, with white males accounting for 67% of the audience and women of colour significantly underrated. This research highlights persistent challenges with inclusivity and advocacy in the political narrative. Contributions to rectify these disparities may increase the inclusion and breadth of opinions provided in media conversations.
Barriers Female Ambassadors Face
Unsurprisingly, female ambassadors face numerous barriers in their roles, presenting significant challenges to overcoming these obstacles. According to the 2024 report by K. Smith and M. Kozielska, these barriers include glass walls, the glass ceiling, restricted access to resources, a lack of role models, intolerance and prejudice, and administrative hurdles. Specifically, the glass wall and glass ceiling often confine women to less prestigious or sensitive areas, limiting their potential for advancement and influence in both national and international spheres. Additionally, the scarcity of women in high-ranking positions can demotivate other women in different sectors. Moreover, intolerance and prejudice can further complicate the professional lives of female ambassadors, often exacerbated by cultural or religious values and practices.
When serving as an ambassador and representing one’s state in a highly structured manner, it is crucial to focus on factors beyond gender. One key aspect is ensuring access to significant outreach opportunities. The networks that ambassadors build is essential for fostering future integrations and partnerships between countries. In bilateral relations, where countries share close ties in political affairs, trade, humanitarian assistance, migration, society, culture, and history, the role of female ambassadors is as vital as that of their male peers. As noted by Niklasson, “When you’re a foreign, well-educated woman representing your government, that’s what matters, not the fact that you’re a woman”. This underscores that professional efficacy and qualifications take precedence over gender. The startlingly low representation of women in peace processes highlights significant gender disparities. From 1992 to 2019, women served as negotiators in only 13% of cases and as arbitrators in just 6% of disputes, indicating that their involvement remains almost nonexistent. This underrepresentation emphasizes the urgent need for increased female participation in peace negotiations to ensure more inclusive and effective conflict resolution. In February 2023, 105 United Nation member states have national action plans concerning the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS)genda with the ratio of female ambassadors reaching an average of only 23%. That difference evidences a gap between what the policy says on paper and how it represents itself in diplomatic postings.
This observation suggests that female ambassadors are more frequently assigned to countries and regions where gender equality is more advanced, and where they are given prominent roles in government and public life, thus being treated and regarded as equals. For instance, in 2014, a high-ranking Turkish ambassador emphasised that the effectiveness of ambassadors is influenced by the cultural values, background, and civil society of the host countries, underscoring the importance of considering these factors in diplomatic assignments.
For a comprehensive understanding of the personal and professional experiences of women in diplomacy, the documentary film “Exteriores: Mulheres Brasileiras na Diplomacia” offers a captivating exploration. It depicts Brazilian women navigating the challenges of sexism, stereotypes, and professional dynamics within a patriarchal framework. Ambassador Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, a long-serving delegate, discusses the entanglement of her role as a Brazilian ambassador on the international stage, highlighting her devotion to gender issues and political mediation. Ambassador Irene Vida Gala, a Black woman in Brazilian diplomacy, is recognized for her significant contributions to gender-focused negotiations and her efforts to address cultural prejudices, particularly in strengthening ties with Africa. Ambassador Sonia Regina Gomes, an expert in commercial diplomacy, provides valuable analysis of crucial economic regulations and policies aimed at achieving gender balance.
Coming to an assertion: An examination of 40 peace accords between 1989 and 2014 appeared that women’s interest and impact in arrangements were related to the likelihood of coming to an understanding, with the relationship considered measurably noteworthy at a certainty level of 95 percent. This can be credited to reasons including the campaigning capacity and impact of women in official assignments at the formal arrangements table and their capacity to tackle that towards coming to a consensus
Multilateral measures, especially the United Nations Security Council Regulation 1325, highlight the essential role of women in peacekeeping and security operations. This worldwide validation strengthens women’s credibility and dominance in peacekeeping positions, promoting a more all-encompassing perspective on dispute settlement. The structural basis offered by such a scaffold strengthens women’s political and diplomatic power, allowing them to engage more vigorously in debates and policy formulation. As a result, worldwide gender equity principles have been reinforced and women are empowered to take on leadership roles in transnational amity initiatives. In terms of enhanced success rates, research shows that including women in the negotiating process increases the probability of peace accords lasting at least 15 years by 35%. This statistic highlights the necessity of women’s engagement in attaining long-term peace. The glaring and Inadequate representation of women in peace talks—only approximately 8% of mediators worldwide—indicates an enormous disparity in gender equality in this vital sector. This deficiency of representation certainly restricts the range of ideas in negotiations for peace, but it also weakens the efficacy of discussions. Women’s participation and expertise are critical for developing comprehensive and long-term peace accords, and their stigmatization contemplates larger structural flaws within political and diplomatic institutions. Tackling this mismatch is critical to developing more diverse and constructive dispute resolution.
Conclusion
“In current gender representation in diplomacy, the situation is reflected in ongoing disparities”. This perspective appears to highlight the contradiction in viewing civilizing efforts as inherently feminine, as articulated in Clare Booth Luce’s writings that suggest all matters possess a feminine aspect. Although women are traditionally raised to master communication skills from an early age their representation in the diplomatic arena is still far less than that of men. Among forces with diplomats of recognized identity, women only account for 20.54%. This number is even lower in areas such as the Middle East and Asia and was reflected in a particularly conspicuous absence: there was not a single female Pacific Islands’ Ambassador to go along with over 20 male counterparts from official delegations of Pacific Islands countries and regions.
Ambassadors have unique beginnings, and impact directs the course of bilateral relations from nostalgia towards hope. Female Ambassadors’ emphasis on inclusivity in spaces where policy is made, or crisis or conflict occurs can lead to better decision-making processes. Their participation brings new perspective. In fighting for new ideas within the system they no.
In addition, the rise of new media platforms offers women candidates an avenue for direct public engagement which will not only broaden their audiences and attract more attention from influential people in society but challenge what some term existing stereotypes. By stressing the importance of women in international affairs, we can change the environment that has hitherto assumed and approved foreign ministries as homogeneous institutions.
To conclude, the road ahead for female ambassadors is an arduous one, but it also offers promise of significant change. A multipronged strategy involving education, media reform, and strategic interaction could bring about a more equal representation of women in diplomacy, thereby adding to the effect of better and more inclusive international relations.
Through such efforts, we can ensure that diplomacy is not simply women’s work and that it becomes everyone’s cause regardless of colour or gender. Once this is achieved the global community as a whole stand to win, too.