More and more women in the diplomatic corps
Equality between men and women has been felt for several years within the Luxembourg diplomatic corps, even if men remain in the majority.
Equality in Luxembourg
Equality between men and women has been felt for several years within the Luxembourg diplomatic corps, even if men remain in the majority.
March 8 is International Women’s Day. If we will have the opportunity to come back to this theme in more depth in the coming days. The parliamentary question recently asked by the two deputies Stéphanie Empain and Djuna Bernard (Déi Gréng) makes it possible, however, to address this issue of the presence of women in the diplomatic function.
First of all, let’s remember the basics: what is the Luxembourg diplomatic corps? This is the body at the service of the country and its citizens. It represents Luxembourg abroad, it defends and promotes the political and economic interests of the country and also contributes to its cultural influence and oversees the defense and representation of the interests of Luxembourgers abroad. Thus, the diplomatic movement is launched each year in autumn to become effective during the following year during the summer period.
A strong increase
The two elected environmentalists notably sought to know what was the share of women in the diplomatic corps. And it is clear that there has been improvement on the issue of equality between men and women, which was not won at the start. “At the beginning of 2022, the diplomatic corps numbered 97 men and 72 women. In 2012, it had 81 men and 32 women. From 2012 to 2022, the rate of female diplomats has therefore increased from 28.3% to 39%, while the number of diplomats has increased from 113 to 159 officers,” replied Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean Asselborn (LSAP).
A reason for satisfaction for the latter who has ensured that the constant increase in the number of women in the Luxembourg diplomatic corps is reflected in the allocation of posts at all levels of the diplomatic career. The man also plans a reform of the legislative framework of the diplomatic corps, without saying more. “The projects are underway, including in particular the reform of the law of June 1947 on the organization of the diplomatic corps. It is planned to table the relevant legislative projects during the legislature.”
The Minister also intends to involve the various agents, both men and women, in this process. “The main thrusts of the reform are presented and debated during diplomatic conferences and the ministry relies on feedback from diplomatic agents to modernize the texts and adapt them to the realities of the 21st century. »
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