Women in International Relations: The Case of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2012-06
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This research was conducted at the Ministry af Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic
Republic of Ethiopia. The establishment of the Ministry, which deals with Ethiopia's relations
with the other countries and international organisations, dates back to 1907 G. C. The study
focuses on female employees at the Ministry occupying professional posts. It examines the
positions these women hold, the opportunities they are given, the challenges they encounter and
their aspirations to advance their career and occupy higher positions in this important field.
Qualitative method was used to conduct this study. Both primary and secondary data were
collected. In-depth interviews were conducted with twelve women working in professional
positions. Secondary data in the form of reports, research and journals were used. The study
shows that the Ministry, as a Federal institution, recruits women from different parts of the
country to ensure representation of women from the different notions and nationalities. The
Ministry provides women the opportunity to advance in their careers by applying affirmative
action, both during recruitments and promotion. The Ministry also upgrades women, who have
improved their educational qualification while on the job. This exercise especially benefitted
young female employees who aspire to reach higher positions inside the Ministry. The women
who took part in the study also revealed that the support they have fram their families is
essential for their achievement in the workplace. Unfortunately, despite these positive steps
taken by the Ministry, the number of women in professional positions is still behind that of men.
Lock of the required educotionol quolification and low self-esteem of the women themselves are
some of the challenges cited by the female employees interviewed for this research. Cultural
misconceptions on women's ability and gender stereotyped rales in the work place were also
obstacles hindering women from joining the professional job category.
Description
Keywords
Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia