The Role of Women Diplomats in Promoting Kenya’s Foreign Policy

Abstract:

This study examines the role of women diplomats in promoting Kenya's foreign policy goals. Diplomacy has been practiced at the regional and international levels to achieve the national interests of a country for decades in promoting Dade, diffusing tensions and even conflicts in some aspects. Diplomacy and foreign policy have been a masculine area of practice as the entire International Relations field has been for years. Women have either been daughters, wives, sisters or mothers of male diplomats. The closest role a woman played was that of "the diplomat's wife" where she entertained guests and took photos in high profile meetings accompanying her partner in national and international forums. However, women's suffrage has paved the way for women in policy making arenas including diplomacy and foreign policy. The research study focused on both qualitative and quantitative methods of data analysis. It used structured interview questions mainly focusing on female diplomats and other government officials to further explore the role women diplomats have played in promoting Kenya's foreign policy. The study analyzed the role of female diplomats in promoting Kenya's foreign Policy goals and measured the impact of that role. The objectives guided the findings based on the primary and secondary data gathered for the Thesis Paper.