Federal diplomacy has 26% of women ambassadors, general consuers and permanent representatives, details Minister Maxime Prévot. In Flanders, women represent 23% of regional diplomatic officials, added Flemish Minister Matthias Diependale.
It is different for support functions. Thus, 64% of assistant diplomatic representatives in Flanders are women. Political employees are also mostly women. Federal figures show a similar trend.
According to the Liberal Open VLD party, the fact that the highest positions are too little occupied by women is a problem, despite a slight improvement in recent years. It is however positive that Matthias Diependele and Maxime Prévot both recognize that there is work to be done in this area.
“But we need concrete and deadline objectives,” argued Stephanie d’Hose. Which must result in a clear plan including all the necessary measures. Particular attention must thus be paid to the balance between professional life and family life. The obstacles must be deleted: anyone with the required skills, whether man or woman, must have every chance on his side, she added.
“We are on the right track, but we are moving too slowly. Without concrete ambition, we turn in circles. Flanders and Belgium deserve diplomacy that reflects their diversity, with a good balance between sexes. It is only in this way that we can make the difference in a credible way on the international scene,” concluded the liberal deputy Stephanie of Hose.
