UNVEILING CHALLENGES: EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF GENDER AND PATRIARCHY ON WOMEN DIPLOMATS IN THE INDIAN FOREIGN SERVICES

Jha, Vishakha

PhD, Research Scholar of Political Science, Doctoral Fellow of ICSSR (Indian Council for Social Science Research) Dept. Sociology and Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Dayalbagh, Agra Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

This article seeks to explore and assess the nuanced connotations of gender and patriarchy on women diplomats in the Indian Foreign Services. In the contemporary postmodern landscape, there is a discernible rise in women’s involvement, notably contributing to the Indian Foreign Services whenever afforded the opportunity. Despite these strides, a feminist perspective unveils the persistent gendered dynamic within politics, particularly in the Foreign Services, where it remains predominantly perceived as a male domain, fostering an environment heavily skewed towards male dominance. Regrettably, women encounter limited equal opportunities in this realm. Analogous to various facets of life, the Foreign Services stand entrenched in the grip of male diplomats, firmly under the aegis of patriarchal structures. This research paper endeavors to scrutinize the role and status of women diplomats in the Foreign Services through the nuanced lens of feminism. The exploration aims to unravel the intricacies surrounding women’s participation in foreign policy decision-making. Employing both Descriptive and Analytical methodologies, this research seeks to elucidate the multifaceted factors influencing the involvement of women diplomats in shaping foreign policy. Therefore, the research paper will study the role and participation of Indian women diplomats in the Indian Foreign Services. Also, this study will scrutinize the impact of gender and patriarchy on the same filed. Lastly it will offer conclusion along with vital solutions to tackle the problems. 

Keywords: Feminism, Patriarchy, Gender, Indian Foreign Services, Women Diplomats, Gender stereotypes, foreign policy decision-making, Global politics, Masculine Hegemony, Feminist Foreign Policy.

Impact Statement

The paper creates awareness about impact of gender and patriarchy on women diplomats in the Indian foreign services.   The study is providing implications to the policy making particularly to the status of women diplomats’ participation and their role in the Indian Foreign Services. The policy makers should focus on the creation of Indian feminist foreign policy. 

About Author

Vishakha Jha, B.A (HONS.), M. A, M. Phil, NET, PhD, Research Scholar of Political Science,

Doctoral Fellow of ICSSR (Indian Council for Social Science Research) Dept. Sociology and Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Dayalbagh, Agra Uttar Pradesh, I presented and published research articles in UGC Care listed, UGC list, international Journals, Peer reviewed international journal, Edited Books, international blog of GYRA etc. I actively participated in more than 200 national and international conferences, webinars, workshops, symposium, seminars, and presented research papers on several topics related political science and research methodology. I have participated, elected as group representative and got rewarded as one of the best speakers at Zonal Level 2018and twice participated in Zonal and National Youth Parliament (2017-2019). I have visited parliament via of university.

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