International Day of Women in Diplomacy 2025: Seven trailblazing Indian female diplomats who etched their name in History

New Delhi: International Day of Women in Diplomacy serves as a timely reminder of the gender disparity in diplomacy and political leadership. As of January 2025, the United Nations reports that only 25 countries have a female head of state or government and that women make up just 22.9 per cent of cabinet ministers globally.

These figures reflect a broader issue of systemic gender imbalance in global governance. While some progress has been made—thanks to tireless efforts by women leaders, activists, and allies—the pace remains slow, and the barriers are deeply rooted.

Bombarding some more data, as of 2024, only 21 per cent of ambassadors worldwide are women. In Africa, women make up just 20 per cent of ambassadors, a marginal increase from 19 per cent in 2023.

These figures highlight the slow journey toward gender parity in diplomacy. June 24, observed as the International Day of Women in Diplomacy, honours the contributions of women who have broken barriers, shaped global policy, and fostered international cooperation.

Significance: This day underlines the significance of including women in negotiations, peace talks, and policymaking, in line with the UN’s commitment to gender-sensitive international relations.

Theme: This year's theme is ‘Eliminating structural barriers to women’s leadership in diplomacy‘ and calling for institutional reforms to enhance female participation at the highest levels of decision-making.

India has seen many trailblazing women diplomats whose achievements continue to inspire. Here is a list of seven such women:

1. Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit: Sister of Jawaharlal Nehru, she was the first woman to preside over the UN General Assembly in 1953. She also served as India’s ambassador to the U.S., USSR, and more, advocating decolonization and human rights.
2. Nirupama Rao: A former Foreign Secretary, she was India’s first woman spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs and its first woman ambassador to China. She later became Ambassador to the U.S. from 2011–2013.
3. Hansa Mehta: She was a social reformer and member of the Constituent Assembly, influenced gender-neutral elements in India’s Constitution, and played a key role in shaping the Universal Declaration of Human Rights alongside Eleanor Roosevelt.
4. CB Muthamma: She was India’s first woman to join the IFS in 1949, overcame gender-based hurdles and served in challenging roles, eventually becoming Ambassador to the Netherlands.
5. Ruchira Kamboj: She was India’s first female Chef de Cabinet at the UN General Assembly, and currently leads India’s mission at the UN.
6. Arundhati Ghose: She led India’s stand during the 1996 CTBT negotiations, showcasing resilience and strategic clarity.
7. Meera Shankar: She is India’s second woman Ambassador to the US, held key diplomatic roles across countries and international bodies, significantly shaping India’s external affairs.

The International Day of Women in Diplomacy is a day to celebrate these pathbreaking female leaders and recognise the urgent need for gender-balanced diplomacy—one that values patience, dialogue, and diverse voices.