It seems like it’s only recently— maybe the last two decades or so—that women are being truly celebrated in the field of diplomacy. Delving into the annals of history however reveals a long list of female diplomats who, despite facing immense societal barriers, made significant contributions to international relations. From the empresses and queens of ancient civilizations to the trailblazers of the modern era, women have played pivotal roles in shaping diplomatic discourse and forging international alliances both in official and not-so-official capacities.

The history of women in diplomacy is rich with stories of pioneering spirits who navigated the complexities of international politics long before it was a career option for them and their contributions were widely recognized. Figures like Gertrude Bell, an influential British writer, archaeologist, and political officer, played a pivotal role in the British imperial policy in the Middle East after World War I. Some would argue that even the famed Madame du Pompadour was a diplomat in her own right with her interventions in diplomatic negotiations playing a pivotal role in the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. But to this day, most people just remember her as a King’s mistress.

Diplomacy has historically been a male-dominated field and in the last two years that I’ve been writing this column, I’ve consistently shared how more and more women are taking on leadership positions in this field, especially in the Philippine foreign service. As the world evolves, the significant contributions of women to diplomacy and international affairs have begun to emerge, highlighting their crucial role in shaping global policies and fostering peace.

The late 20th century marked a turning point as women began to break through the diplomatic glass ceiling. In the aftermath of Philippine independence in 1946, the Foreign Service remained predominantly male-dominated, with all ambassadors and consuls general being men. A pivotal moment arrived however in 1958 when then-President Carlos P. Garcia appointed Trinidad Fernandez Legarda as the Philippine ambassador to South Vietnam, marking her as the first Philippine lady ambassador and the inaugural female head of a Philippine Foreign Service post in Asia. She held the post for three years while concurrently holding the position of envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary to Laos and Cambodia.

Throughout her life, Legarda dedicated herself to uplifting the status of women and advocating for their rights. She held numerous significant positions in both the government and the private sector and was a notable patroness of classical music in the Philippines.

There’s also Jeane Kirkpatrick’s appointment as the first female U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations in 1981 and Madeleine Albright’s role as the first female U.S. Secretary of State in 1997 were landmark achievements. These trailblazers not only influenced global politics but also served as role models, inspiring women worldwide to pursue careers in diplomacy and international relations.

Today, the landscape of diplomacy is increasingly diverse, with women holding key positions in international affairs. Japan has appointed their first female Foreign Minister, Yōko Kamikawa, in September 2023. The Philippines has sent its first female Ambassador to Japan, Mylene GarciaAlbano, in the same year. Notably, a robust presence of female Ambassadors is observed in the Philippines, including envoys from Australia, the US, Hungary, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Romania, Sweden, Singapore, and Brunei, among others.

Despite the immense strides made, women in diplomacy still grapple with persistent challenges like gender biases and balancing their career and personal life. Their achievements however in fostering inclusive dialogues and advancing global peace are undeniable. With increasing participation and influence, the trajectory for women in diplomacy looks promising. As the world prioritizes gender equality, diplomacy becomes more inclusive, enriched by diverse perspectives. Supporting women in diplomacy is crucial for global governance, equality, and fostering a peaceful world. Their legacy serves as a guide for future generations, ensuring every voice is heard in the pursuit of global harmony and understanding.

Goodbye and a warm welcome

It was rather bittersweet to read Ambassador Kazuhiro Koshikawa’s farewell letter as he concluded his diplomatic posting in the Philippines. The Japanese envoy, who arrived at the height of the pandemic, reminisced on what he refers to as “one of the most challenging and rewarding chapters” of his life.

“I am reminded of my love and fondest respect for the Philippines,” he wrote. “Amid times of change and uncertainty, our two nations emerged more united than ever.” It’s been a busy posting for him as relations between the Philippines and Japan continued to prosper in the areas of defense, infrastructure, economy, and people-to-people exchanges. I, however, will personally remember the ambassador’s time in Manila marked by his candor, calm presence, and his active participation in the embassy’s public diplomacy efforts. From hosting Pikachu for merienda, posing with Voltes V with fans who would admire the action figure in the residence, eating balut, and even cooking sinigang on video, he’s leaving a memorable impression not only on the diplomatic community but also on the hearts of pop-culture loving Pinoys.

As diplomatic postings come to a close, they often herald new beginnings. This sentiment holds true as we welcome Japan’s Ambassadordesignate to the Philippines, H.E. Kazuya Endo this week. Prior to his departure for Manila, Ambassador Endo met with Philippine Ambassador to Japan H.E. Mylene Garcia-Albano here in Tokyo. He commemorated the occasion with his inaugural tweet in his new role. “Grateful for the warm welcome and meaningful discussions,” he wrote. “The excitement level for my upcoming journey is through the roof!”

Maligayang pagdating, #KuyaKazuya!