What does it mean to see someone like you in positions of power? For young women aspiring to careers in international affairs, representation is transformational. Between 2016 and 2023, the percentage of women in top overseas positions within the Australian foreign service surged from below 25% to a striking 52%. Yet, this headline figure reveals deeper complexities upon closer inspection. Former DFAT secretary Peter Varghese identified six countries - China, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, and the United States - as the core of Australia’s foreign policy priorities. Despite overall progress, in recent years, five of these critical posts have been filled by men.
The issue of female representation extends beyond diplomacy. In other areas of Australian international affairs, there is a broader limitation on female voices. Men dominate ‘hard’ areas such as defence and security, while women are overrepresented in areas like human rights and development. While this situation has somewhat improved in recent years, it is unclear whether this ‘ceiling’ will finally be shattered.
To address these disparities and amplify the achievements of women in the field, Young Australians in International Affairs’ annual Young Women to Watch list plays an influential role. This initiative redefines expectations, elevates underrepresented voices, and highlights emerging female leaders who are reshaping the future of international affairs. By celebrating their contributions, the list not only showcases progress but also inspires new generations to challenge traditional gender norms, demonstrating that international affairs is not an inherently gendered field.
The Importance of Female Visibility
Increased visibility matters. When young women see other women in prominent positions in fields they are passionate about, it inspires confidence and ambition. This helps break the glass ceiling and challenge biases around power, expertise and gender. Female representation in these roles not only takes apart harmful cycles that perpetuate disparity but also normalises the presence of women in spaces that are traditionally dominated by men, encouraging aspiring women leaders to step into the field.
In international affairs, incorporating and encouraging diverse perspectives is essential to ensuring adequate attention to women’s issues. Women offer unique insights and approaches that enrich decision-making processes and foster more inclusive solutions to global challenges. For instance, research reveals that male and female economists in the United States significantly differ in their importance rankings for policy issues like equal opportunity and the wage gap. Consequently, prioritising women’s participation in international affairs and promoting feminist foreign policy perspectives are crucial for achieving positive outcomes for women worldwide.
By spotlighting these issues, the Young Women to Watch list provides a platform for emerging leaders to showcase their work and challenge stereotypes, further amplifying the impact of female representation in the field.
Media, Leadership, and the Public Face of International Affairs
The gender gap in media and opinion leadership further underscores the issue of female representation in international affairs. Media coverage shapes public perceptions of expertise and leadership in the field, influencing how the public views the industry as both potential future leaders and bystanders. The ‘Women for Media’ report revealed that, in Australia, men dominate front-page foreign affairs articles (over 74%) and opinion pieces (86%), far exceeding gender disparities in other topics like arts, entertainment, crime, and health. This trend underscores the persistent reinforcement of male-dominated perspectives and narratives in international affairs.
Despite improvements in government agencies like DFAT, where women outnumber men and are nearly equal in Senior Executive Service positions, the public face of international affairs remains predominantly male. Carol Schwartz, an advocate for gender equality, notes that this imbalance stifles diversity of thought, ultimately hindering global outcomes.
To address the disparities, the Young Women to Watch in International Affairs list reshapes this narrative by providing visibility to young female leaders. In doing so, it not only diversifies public discourse and contributes fresh perspectives, but further breaks down the barriers of the male-dominated media.
Moving Towards Inclusive Global Governance
In global decision-making, inclusivity is not just beneficial but essential for achieving equitable and sustainable solutions. When stakes are high, diverse representation ensures that policies and agreements are comprehensive and equitable across the board. For instance, two of the five United Nations-led peace processes in 2021 were led by female mediators, and all five included gender expertise. This demonstrates the transformative impact of women’s leadership in international affairs and how such leadership contributes positively to global governance.
The Young Women to Watch list exemplifies the power of representation in international affairs. By showcasing the breadth of work within international affairs as well as a range of perspectives, it sets the agenda for a new generation of leaders and inspires confidence in others. Prioritising diverse issues and perspectives should remain at the forefront of efforts to achieve gender equality in the field within Australia and around the world.
The list provides a platform for advocacy, mentorship, and networking, creating a ripple effect that extends beyond the featured women. Many women featured on previous iterations have taken influential roles, becoming role models and mentors for future generations. By elevating young women, this initiative challenges outdated norms and carves pathways for women across the globe, contributing to a broader cultural shift towards equality and empowerment.
YAIA's seventh annual Young Women to Watch in International Affairs List will be published on March 8th, 2025. Click here to learn more and nominate yourself or someone else by January 31st, 2025.
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