Musings on Gendered Diplomacy in Nigeria’s Foreign Policy: The Representation and Role of Women, 1960-2023

Abstract

Recently, the role of women in international relations not only erupted like a volcano but has continued to trend and attract global attention. Women's participation in Nigeria's diplomacy has increased in recent years, though there are still significant barriers to their full incursion. By explaining the evolving landscape of Nigerian's foreign policy contests, and analysing the current state of women's participation in diplomacy, this article not only intends to evoke more interest in gendered diplomacy, but is poised to unearth the litany of challenges hindering women's inclusion in diplomatic endeavours. Suffice it to state that this study by succinctly deploying the Feminist International Relations Theory (Feminist IR) towards dissecting and understanding the condiments of gendered diplomacy, the need for both role and increased representation by women became bare. By emphasizing on intersectionality of the human vis a vis roles and capabilities, when exposed to governance and leadership performance, this study was able to identify the many obstacles and opportunities hindering and equally prospectively promoting gendered diplomacy within Nigeria's diplomatic arena. Towards ensuring certain degree of thoroughness and objectivity, the research meandered and ripped relevant information from several primary and secondary sources, though overriding evidence still portrayed the paucity of designate awareness. Along this pedestal, the Feminist International Relations Theory (Feminist IR) provided a robust compass towards identifying obstacles and apparent opportunities for promoting gendered diplomacy within Nigeria's diplomatic framework and concludes with guided recommendations aimed at fostering gender equality and empowerment in the country's international relations efforts. The study is convinced that integrating gender perspectives into diplomacy would enrich international relations, create equitable gender domestic opportunities, national growth and transformation, hence fostering an effective, broader and more inclusive diplomatic culture. The idea is not to spur or support gender competition, but to encourage complementary expertise and productivity uninfluenced by gender.