Breaking Barriers: South Asian Women in Diplomacy

 Keywords: Women, Diplomacy, Peacebuilding, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Bangladesh

Date:24th June, 2024

As the world marks International Day of Women in Diplomacy on 24^th June, it is a moment to celebrate women’s contribution and acknowledge the achievements of women in the sphere of diplomacy. The role of women in diplomacy, particularly from smaller nations, do not get the attention it deserves. Taking advantage of the occasion, here is a look at women diplomats and policymakers of smaller South Asian nations. 

Today, women diplomats are involved in policy making, negotiations and building strategies in the field of international relations. Women in the diplomatic field have broadened the policy dialogues by incorporating the voices of under-privileged sections of society including women and socio-economically marginalised groups. This has helped the policy-making process to add distinct viewpoints and ideas. 

The presence of women diplomats has helped in building foreign policies that are based on a more holistic approach. Women play a pivotal role in advancing dialogues that emphasize the principles of social justice and universal human rights. Highlighting these values allows for shifting the attention to some critical challenges including human rights abuses, socio-economic discrimination, gender inequities, etc. 

Focusing on social justice ensures inclusivity and gives voice to the demands and concerns of underprivileged sections. In South Asia, women diplomats such as Ambika Devi Luitel from Nepal and Kshenuka Senewiratne from Sri Lanka have been staunch advocates of women rights and work towards sustainable development goals and human rights. 

Women in foreign affairs provide for construction of gender-based approaches in policy discourses from economic growth to security and peace-building efforts. The integrated approach to diplomacy advances mutual understanding, leading to more generous and effective foreign policy. 

By promoting gender neutrality and creating an all-inclusive agenda, women diplomats make policies that are viable and feasible. They also bring non-traditional issues to the table and play an important role in enhancing cordial relations between states. Pema Choden, the first woman ambassador of Bhutan, has made efforts to maintain harmonious relations of Bhutan with neighbours. 

Similarly, Dunya Maumoon, who had served as the foreign minister of Maldives, has significantly contributed to increasing the role of Maldives in world affairs. She also built awareness on imminent threats such as climate and oceanic challenges. 

Women diplomats have shown sensitivity towards multiple viewpoints and promote deliberation and collective action in foreign affairs. This has contributed towards combating complicated transnational threats such as climate change, transnational terrorism and health epidemics. 

Such approach paves way for a unified foreign policy and aids peace negotiations, along with promoting the values of sustainability and tranquillity. Women diplomats have promoted conflict resolution by articulating varied perspectives and valued opinions. 

Women leaders and diplomats from the region have also been in the forefront of working with the international and regional organisations. In the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), women policymakers have fostered policies around social progress, economic development and cultural growth that have advanced comprehensive development. 

In the same way, in the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), women policymakers have taken advantage of regional cooperation and interaction to promote collaboration in the field of tourism, energy, agriculture, poverty reduction and people-to-people contact. Promoting these agendas address the various issues faced by women and underprivileged sections of the society. 

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been a staunch supporter of maintaining peaceful relations with neighbours of South Asia and Southeast Asia. Under her leadership, Bangladesh has been prioritising trade and investment as well as climate change issues within the BIMSTEC framework. 

Focusing more on dialogues and negotiations over conflicts and contentions, women diplomats have demonstrated an ability to bridge cleavages and build consensus between the clashing groups. This harmonious perspective not only advocates more efficient peace negotiations but also adds to long-term balance and social unity in post-conflict communities. 

Women policymakers have contributed to building cultural diplomacy. Promoting soft power by promoting socio-cultural dialogues play a critical role in minimizing conflicts and creating the ground for peace in the region. Adopting a culture that promotes women in diplomacy will not only ensure gender equality but also address the multifaceted issues of contemporary international relations with more options and viewpoints. 

Women in diplomacy is a crucial step towards setting up a more inclusive and comprehensive global order. The role of women in international relations should be a key ingredient in the construction of a new world order.

Bidisha Deka is an Intern with Asian Confluence

Disclaimer: The views expressed above and the information available are those of the author/s and can therefore in no way be taken to reflect the position of Asian Confluence