Jonah Patel
Women have played a crucial role in diplomacy for centuries, and their involvement in Indian diplomacy is no exception. Despite this, their contributions are often overlooked, and they continue to be underrepresented in legislative bodies. In India, women have faced legal restrictions that limited their participation in various activities, and cultural biases and expectations about their roles in society remain. However, Indian women have made significant strides in diplomacy, with the first woman joining the Indian Foreign Service in 1949, and several women politicians taking charge as Indian envoys on the world stage in the years around 1947.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year women were first included in Indian diplomacy | 1946 |
| First woman to join the Indian Foreign Service | C.B. Muthamma, 1949 |
| First woman ambassador of India to the Soviet Union | Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, 1947 |
| Percentage of women in the Indian Foreign Service | 16% |
| Percentage of women in top leadership positions in embassies | 18% |
| Percentage of women in the Indian Parliament | 15.3% |
| Percentage of women in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force | 3%, 2.8%, and 8.5% respectively |
| Year women were allowed to serve as fighter pilots in the Indian Air Force | 2015 |
| Year women were allowed to take up combat roles in the Indian Army and Navy | 2016 |
| Year the International Day of Women in Diplomacy was established | 2024 |
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What You'll Learn
Women in Indian diplomacy: historical context
Women have participated in diplomacy for centuries, yet their contributions have often been overlooked. In the context of India, the journey of women in diplomacy has been a long and challenging one, marked by both successes and setbacks.
Historically, women in India have faced legal and societal restrictions that limited their participation in various fields, including diplomacy. During the colonial era, a reformist movement emerged in Bengal, led by Raja Ram Mohan Roy, which sought to improve the rights and status of women. This movement gradually spread throughout India, challenging practices such as sati, polygamy, and child marriage, while promoting education and property rights for women. The rise of Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian independence movement further advanced the cause of gender equality, with Gandhi condemning practices that sought to deprive women of their equal status.
Following independence in 1947, India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, advocated for the inclusion of women in the foreign service. However, his vision was limited by a belief that the number of women officers should be kept small, and that they should only be posted to "suitable" locations. Despite this, the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) was established in 1946, and it gave women the opportunity to represent the country in diplomacy from its inception. Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit became the first woman ambassador of India to the Soviet Union in 1947, followed by appointments as the Indian ambassador to the United States and the United Kingdom. She also served as the first female president of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and led the Indian delegation to the U.N. on multiple occasions. C.B. Muthamma, who joined the IFS in 1949, went on to become a courageous advocate for gender equality in the service, petitioning the Supreme Court in the 1980s to end systemic discrimination.
Despite these pioneering women, overall gender inequality in Indian diplomacy persists. Women continue to face barriers and misogynistic attitudes in the field, and their representation in leadership positions remains low. However, there are signs of progress and changing societal norms. Women have served in combat roles in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, and the country's film industry has evolved to portray women as independent and capable, reflecting and driving changes in societal expectations and legal rights.
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Women in Indian diplomacy: current representation
Women have been playing a crucial role in Indian diplomacy for centuries, yet their contributions have often been overlooked. In 1947, Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit was appointed as the first female ambassador of India to the Soviet Union. This was followed by her diplomatic career as the Indian ambassador to the United States and the United Kingdom, her appointment as the first female president of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), and multiple stints as the leader of the Indian delegation to the U.N. Pandit, as an Indian diplomat, was a popular international figure. However, she was not the only one. The years around 1947 witnessed several women politicians taking charge as Indian envoys on the world stage. These included Hansa Mehta, who played a key role in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and C.B. Muthamma, who joined the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) in 1949.
Despite these early successes, Indian women continue to face barriers in the field of diplomacy. While the country's constitution guarantees equal rights and privileges in all spheres, including public employment, discriminatory service rules in matters of promotion and appointment persisted until the 1980s when C.B. Muthamma successfully petitioned the Supreme Court to end systemic discrimination. Nevertheless, women remain underrepresented in India's foreign service. As of 2020, the glass ceiling in Indian diplomacy remains unbroken.
Currently, women comprise only 15.3% of the members of the Indian Parliament, and similar gender disparities can be seen in other sectors as well. For example, as of 2014, women made up only 3% of Indian Army personnel, 2.8% of Navy personnel, and 8.5% of Air Force personnel. However, there have been some recent improvements in this area, with the Indian government announcing in 2015 that women could serve as fighter pilots in the Indian Air Force and deciding in 2016 to allow women to take up combat roles in all sections of its army and navy.
In addition to the Indian government and military, women are also underrepresented in the country's diplomatic corps. While Indian women have been posted to various regions, including the Middle East and war-torn countries such as Libya, Lebanon, and Afghanistan, none have been posted as India's Permanent Representative in New York. Beno Zephine made history when she became India's first 100% visually challenged person to be inducted into the Foreign Service, but she has not been posted as a Permanent Representative.
While there have been some improvements in the representation of women in Indian diplomacy, significant barriers remain. Indian women continue to face challenges in breaking through the glass ceiling and achieving equal representation in various sectors, including politics, the military, and diplomacy. Their leadership styles, expertise, and priorities are essential for broadening the scope of issues considered and improving the quality of outcomes in decision-making processes.
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Women in Indian diplomacy: international relations
Women have played a role in Indian diplomacy and international relations for centuries, but their contributions have often been overlooked. The country has made some promising steps towards women's representation in diplomacy, but overall gender inequality in the service persists.
In 1946, the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) gave women the opportunity to represent the country as diplomats from its inception. Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit was appointed as the first female ambassador of India to the Soviet Union in 1947, and C.B. Muthamma became the first woman to join the IFS in 1949. Pandit went on to have an illustrious diplomatic career, serving as the Indian ambassador to the United States and the United Kingdom, and becoming the first female president of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Other women politicians, such as Hansa Mehta, also played a key role in this era as Indian envoys on the world stage.
Despite these early gains, women in India continue to face legal and societal restrictions that limit their participation in various activities, including diplomacy. In 2021, women accounted for only 16% of the Indian Foreign Service and 18% of top leadership positions in embassies. This underrepresentation is not due to a lack of interest or capability on the part of women, but rather to structural and cultural barriers that hinder their advancement. For example, the heritage of discriminatory service rules in matters of promotion and appointment continued to be practised until the 1980s, when diplomat C.B. Muthamma successfully petitioned the Supreme Court to end systemic discrimination.
Women's participation in diplomacy and international relations is crucial, as it brings immense benefits. Research shows that when women serve in cabinets and parliaments, they pass laws and policies that are better for ordinary people, the environment, and social cohesion. Their leadership styles, expertise, and priorities broaden the scope of issues considered and improve outcomes. Additionally, inclusive governance can result in positive long-term policy changes.
While India has made some progress in promoting women's representation in diplomacy and international relations, more needs to be done to achieve gender equality and harness the full potential of women in these fields. External affairs minister S Jaishankar has acknowledged the need for a gender-balanced foreign policy and is actively promoting the representation of women in his ministry. However, he has expressed uncertainty about the ease of replicating the Feminist Foreign Policy (FFP) frameworks adopted by countries like Sweden, Canada, the Netherlands, and Mexico.
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Women in Indian diplomacy: societal perceptions
Women have played a crucial role in diplomacy in India, with several women politicians taking charge as Indian envoys on the world stage since 1947. However, societal perceptions and norms have influenced the extent and nature of their participation.
Historically, diplomacy has been a male-dominated field, and while women have participated in diplomacy for centuries, their contributions have often been overlooked or minimised. In India, societal perceptions of women's roles and capabilities have shaped their involvement in diplomacy and foreign policy. Despite a promising start with the inclusion of women in the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) since its inception in 1946, the representation of women in these roles remains low. Women account for only 16% of the IFS and 18% of top leadership positions in embassies worldwide. This underrepresentation is not due to a lack of interest or capability on the part of women, but rather the result of societal and institutional barriers that hinder their advancement.
Family relations and cultural norms play a significant role in shaping women's status in India. In most of the country, the family unit is patrilineal, with the bride moving to live with her husband's family. Families are often hierarchical, with elders and men holding authority over women. These dynamics can influence the opportunities and expectations for women, including their participation in public life and decision-making roles. Additionally, societal perceptions of women's capabilities and interests in foreign policy and diplomacy can create barriers to their inclusion. There is a misconception that women tend to avoid "hard issues" of security and trade, focusing instead on "soft issues." However, this perception is inaccurate and fails to recognise the valuable contributions women can make in these areas.
The media and film industry in India have played important roles in driving changes in societal perceptions and promoting gender equality. The Hindi film industry, in particular, has evolved to portray women as independent and capable, reflecting changing societal norms and offering audiences a vision of gender equality. This has contributed to legal changes and improved women's lives in India. Additionally, the formation of women-oriented NGOs and self-help groups, such as the Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA), has played a significant role in advancing women's rights and leadership in the country.
While there have been some notable achievements in terms of women's representation in diplomacy and foreign policy, societal perceptions and institutional barriers continue to pose challenges. The Indian government and external affairs ministry have recognised the need for greater inclusion and are actively promoting the representation of women. However, as of 2021, the overall gender inequality in the service persists, and the glass ceiling in Indian diplomacy remains intact.
In conclusion, while women have made significant contributions to Indian diplomacy, societal perceptions and norms continue to shape their participation. Despite some progress, addressing societal perceptions and institutional barriers is crucial to ensuring equal opportunities and representation for women in diplomacy and foreign policy roles in India.
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Women in Indian diplomacy: future prospects
Women in Indian diplomacy have come a long way since the country's independence, with several women diplomats and politicians taking charge as Indian envoys on the world stage. Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, the first woman ambassador of India to the Soviet Union in 1947, went on to have an unparalleled diplomatic career, serving as the Indian ambassador to the United States and the United Kingdom. She also became the first female president of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and led the Indian delegation to the U.N. on multiple occasions. C.B. Muthamma, who joined the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) in 1949, was another trailblazer, fighting systemic discrimination and petitioning the Supreme Court in the 1980s to end discriminatory service rules in matters of promotion and appointment.
Despite these notable exceptions, women in Indian diplomacy still face significant challenges and have not shattered the glass ceiling. The current representation of women in the Indian Parliament, with 81 women members out of a total of 539, reflects this disparity. While the founding fathers of the Constitution of India advocated for equal rights and opportunities for women in public employment, the reality falls short of this ideal.
To foster the advancement of women in Indian diplomacy, it is essential to address the underlying cultural and societal biases that contribute to gender inequality. The media and film industry can play a pivotal role in challenging restrictive societal norms and promoting gender equality, as they have done in the past. Additionally, recognizing and valuing the unique perspectives and experiences that women bring to the field of diplomacy is crucial. Women's leadership styles, expertise, and priorities broaden the scope of issues considered and enhance the effectiveness of governance.
Looking ahead, there are reasons for optimism. Beno Zephine, for example, made history by becoming India's first 100% visually challenged person inducted into the Foreign Service. This achievement demonstrates a shift towards inclusivity and the breaking down of barriers. Furthermore, the declaration of June 24 as the International Day of Women in Diplomacy by the United Nations General Assembly is a significant step forward, providing an opportunity for education, awareness-raising, and celebration of women's achievements in this field.
In conclusion, while there have been notable strides in the advancement of women in Indian diplomacy, there is still much to be done to achieve gender parity. Addressing societal biases, leveraging the power of media and film, and recognizing the value of women's contributions in diplomacy are essential steps towards fostering a more inclusive and representative future. The journey towards gender equality in Indian diplomacy is ongoing, and continued efforts are necessary to break down remaining barriers and ensure that women's voices are heard and valued in this field.
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Frequently asked questions
Women were "everywhere and nowhere", as put by McCarthy. They were involved in representational entertainment, public diplomacy, training young officers, and even doubling up as secretaries to their husbands. However, they were invisible and absent from minutes and accounts of embassy business.
In 1919, women were making preliminary entries into the foreign service. Gertrude Bell, a famous archaeologist and polyglot, was recruited for her knowledge of the Middle East and earned the title of Oriental Secretary in the Indian Army. However, a woman in a diplomatic position was still an exception, and the Foreign Office was strongly opposed to their inclusion.
In 1946, the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) was established, and women were given the opportunity to represent the country as diplomats from its inception. Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit became the first female ambassador of India to the Soviet Union in 1947 and later served as the ambassador to the US and the UK. In 1949, C.B. Muthamma became the first woman to join the IFS.
In 1972, Kiran Bedi became the first lady Indian Police Service Officer. In 1980, C.B. Muthamma, the courageous diplomat, petitioned the Supreme Court, and the verdict put an end to systemic discrimination. In 1991, the Kerala High Court restricted the entry of women of menstruating age into the Sabarimala Shrine.
Women account for only 16% of the Indian Foreign Service and 18% of top leadership positions in embassies. Women are still fighting for equal representation and to break the glass ceiling in Indian diplomacy. However, there is a push for a more gender-inclusive foreign policy, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar promoting the representation of women in his ministry.
