{The Growing Importance of Female Diplomats

Samantha Power is among the most powerful women of power in the world. Noted for her combative attitude, hard-hitting personality and trademark cackle, Power has been criticized by some as "obsessed with power" -- a charge she staunchly denies. Yet, when asked what it was about her that made her so successful, Power offers up an interesting answer. "People," she states matter-of-factly. "Being a person who gets things done." As she has demonstrated throughout her many years in public service, being a forceful negotiator and skilled communicator, Power knows how to get things done.
| The Growing Importance of Female Diplomats

Samantha Power is among the most powerful women of power in the world. Noted for her combative attitude, hard-hitting personality and trademark cackle, Power has been criticized by some as "obsessed with power" -- a charge she staunchly denies. Yet, when asked what it was about her that made her so successful, Power offers up an interesting answer. "People," she states matter-of-factly. "Being a person who gets things done." As she has demonstrated throughout her many years in public service, being a forceful negotiator and skilled communicator, Power knows how to get things done.
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At age 35, Power was named ambassador to the UN. A former Assistant Secretary of State, she quickly put her title to use as she strode into her new role as America's top diplomat. There is no doubt that Power is powerful and capable of securing high-level diplomatic positions, but she is also very aware of the culture and language that surround higher positions in government. "You have to be able to hold people accountable," she said in explaining her desire to hold onto her post. "You have to be able to be trusted by the men and women in power. You have to know how to talk to anybody -- both male and female."

Being a woman of power is not an easy job. Indeed, female diplomats are often subjected to the same sexist pressures that male counterparts face. When dealing with the press, dealing with world leaders and even working the Foreign Service, women are expected to be tough, vocal advocates for their countries and nation-states. While these stereotypes do exist, they need to shed the belief that being a female US ambassador means you will need to be tough and outspoken on every front.

Although women in diplomacy face certain stereotypes and are often criticized for their appearance or vocal opinions, there is more to being a woman of power than being loud and vocal. "Being a woman in diplomacy is more than just being pretty," said Ambassador Anna Holodnyk, who served as an assistant secretary of state for public affairs. "It's about having the right skills and being able to rise to any challenge that comes your way. Being a woman in diplomacy gives you the chance to grow professionally, learn about new things and experiences, and have an opportunity to advance yourself and your career." Holodnyk sees more opportunities in women of power in the future.

There is still a long way to go when it comes to gender equality in the workforce, but women in politics are beginning to make headway. Although women are poised to achieve greater heights of success in the public and private sectors, there is still a lot of work to be done. Holodnyk credits increasing levels of education for women's advances in the workplace. And although men continue to have a majority of senior management and hold more key leadership roles, there has been significant movement toward gender equality at the top levels of companies in recent years.

The Department of State is a large participant in worldwide efforts to increase women's empowerment and improve women's health and quality of life. The Bureau of International Communication manages the coordination of all United States foreign policy. The office of Foreign Assistance works to support American assistance programs overseas, including diplomacy and public diplomacy efforts. According to its website, the agency is "dedicated to building an informed and knowledgeable public around the world about American interests and our commitment to global cooperation." In addition to its core missions, the agency coordinates the activities of other government agencies, assisting with global economic growth, combating terrorism, and promoting peace and security.

Women's representation in international organisations, particularly those representing the United States, is slowly growing. In response to the challenge of promoting women's empowerment and women's well-being, the number of female ambassadors has significantly increased in the last few years. Female ambassadors are now serving on the board of directors of major international organisations. More importantly, female ambassadors are now negotiating counter-productive stereotypes in politics, economics and business. The increasing number of female executives in major business organisations and political leadership positions has created a positive reflection on women's status in the public and private sectors.

Female diplomats have faced many challenges in their careers. Although women are making great progress in their profession and climbing the ranks in international politics and diplomacy, they continue to face stereotypes and barriers when it comes to breaking into the male dominated professions. A majority of foreign affairs and public service administrators are predominately male. Because of this, many female diplomats face the obstacles of prejudice and stereotypical behaviour from their male colleagues. However, as female ambassadors take the wheel on behalf of America, they prove that women can succeed in the highly competitive world of international politics and diplomacy.