Aspects

Gender Aspects Foreign Policy

Representation: The field of foreign policy instruments, from diplomatic negotiations right through to military conflict, is traditionally in the hands of men. The consequence is under-representation of women in international bodies as is shown, for instance, in the marginal participation of women in peace talks.
Male bias: Foreign policy decisions are often oriented to traditional “male” values; they are subject to male bias. Are “hard” subjects like economics and industry accorded greater importance than “soft” subjects like human rights in conflicts of aims in bilateral talks?
“Security”: In a consideration, differentiated as to gender, of the traditional notion of security, it is clear that this does not take into account the specific needs of women. For example, women are often not less threatened in a post-conflict situation, but differently than before. Attacks by traumatised returning combatants increases the rate of domestic violence. An extended understanding of security would not only have to include mental and physical needs of all humans but also take account of the supposed “private” sphere.
Gender equality: A lack of gender equality for women is a deficit in democracy. A foreign policy committed to democracy and human rights loses credibility if the participation of women and men in its own executive organs is not balanced at all levels of the hierarchy. Gender Mainstreaming opens up possibilities for working towards equal representation of the two sexes, e.g. in the area of Staff development of the Diplomatic Service.

Aspects

Gender Aspects Foreign Policy

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