The status of women in diplomacy: A Case Study of the V4 Countries

This bachelor thesis focuses on the development of women in diplomacy in the V4 countries since the 1990s, with an emphasis on identifying the obstacles that women face in diplomacy. The aim of the thesis is to examine how the status of women in diplomacy has evolved in the V4 member states and to highlight the similarities and differences in their approaches in terms of gender issues. The theoretical part of the thesis is based on the concepts of feminism in international relations, gender and women in diplomacy. It also describes the factors influencing women's participation in diplomacy. The research part is carried out through a combination of quantitative and qualitative analysis of the factors that influence the current status of women in foreign service in the V4 region. These include conservative values, the percentage of female ambassadors, the issue of maternity leave and the politicisation of the selection process for diplomatic positions. The results of this thesis show both similarities and differences between countries. For example, all countries share conservative values, are influenced by gender stereotypes, and show a positive trend in the growth of female ambassadors, but different foreign ministries implement different measures for female diplomats, and thus the current percentage of women in ambassadorial positions differs.