Despite making strides toward gender equality, women still remain underrepresented in leadership positions in most countries, particularly in diplomacy and politics. In marking International Women’s Day, The Korea Herald presents a special feature exploring the persistent gender gap through the voices of female ambassadors serving in Seoul.
Their experiences, drawn from diverse cultural and political backgrounds, shed light on both the progress made and the challenges that remain in advancing women’s rights globally.
In this exclusive set of interviews, ambassadors share their personal journeys, reflecting on the hurdles they have faced in male-dominated spheres and how they have navigated them.
We asked them whether women's representation in diplomacy and governance has truly improved and highlighted key policies and social initiatives in their countries aimed at empowering women.
Offering advice to young women aspiring to leadership roles, they emphasize the importance of resilience, mentorship and systemic change.
Additionally, we sought their opinions on the evolving digital landscape, where AI-driven gender biases mirror societal prejudices. Addressing this, they call for comprehensive measures to bridge the gender gap, both on- and offline, ensuring that technological progress does not reinforce existing inequalities.
Read the insights from nine women ambassadors in Korea in related articles here:
Canadian Ambassador to Korea Tamara Mawhinney
EU Ambassador Maria Castillo Fernadez
Indonesia's Charge d'Affaires ad interim Zelda Wulan Kartika
Ambassador of Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Asal Al-Tal
Kenyan Ambassador Emmy Jerono Kipsoi
New Zealand Ambassador Dawn Bennet
Philippines Abassador Theresa Dizon-de Vega
Ambassador of Switzerland Dagmar Schmidt Tartagli
Venezuelan Charge d'affaires Isabel Di Carlo Quero
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