Women under-represented in diplomacy, study shows
Amajor study carried out by the Emirates Diplomatic Academy (EDA) has shown that women fill only 16.7 per cent of ambassadorial positions in G20 countries. The report titled Gender and Diplomacy Diplograph was presented publicly for the first time at the Abu Dhabi Diplomacy Conference. It highlights the need to do more when it comes to hiring women for diplomatic missions around the world.
“This research by the academy maps the percentage of women ambassadors representing the countries of the G20 in 2018. We have found that out of the 2,607 ambassadors currently appointed by G20 countries, only 435 are women. This means the total share of women ambassadors in the G20 stands at 16.7 per cent,” said Dr Nawal Al Hosani, UAE Permanent Representative to the International Renewable Energy Agency and deputy director-general at EDA. “Australia leads the G20 countries, with women holding 35.9 per cent of ambassadorial posts followed by Canada at 35.6 per cent and United States at 33.1 per cent. In addition, Canada is targeting a 50:50 ratio of women and men in the foreign service,” Al Hosani said.
Commenting on the UAE, Dr Al Hosani said the numbers were positive with the country continuing to make improvements in its female representation in the diplomatic corps. “The UAE has seven women ambassadors serving in key posts around the world and international organisations. Women made up 38.1 per cent of the workforce at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in 2017.
“I am very proud to say that in the same year women accounted for 61 per cent of the cohort of graduates here at EDA. It should therefore come as no surprise that the issue of gender equality in diplomacy is being put under the spotlight here at the Abu Dhabi Diplomacy Conference,” she added. ■