Gender and Foreign Policy: Examining Women’s Representation in Nigeria’s Diplomatic Service

This study examines the extent and nature of women's participation in Nigeria's diplomatic service, analysing the structural barriers, institutional practices, and policy frameworks that shape gender representation in the country's foreign policy establishment. Nigeria's diplomatic corps, managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has historically been male-dominated, despite constitutional provisions for non-discrimination and official commitments to gender equality under Sustainable Development Goal Five. Drawing on feminist international relations theory and gender mainstreaming frameworks, this research maps women's representation at different levels of the diplomatic service and investigates the qualitative experiences of female diplomats. The study covers the period from 2019 to 2024 and draws on semi-structured interviews with current and former female diplomats, analysis of Ministry of Foreign Affairs staffing data, and review of Nigeria's gender-related policy documents. The research pays attention to regional variation, noting differences in representation patterns across postings to African, European, and North American missions. It is anticipated that findings will show persistent underrepresentation of women at senior levels and identify specific barriers including posting preferences, family responsibilities, and informal organisational cultures. Recommendations focus on quota implementation, mentoring schemes, and policy reforms within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Keywords: gender, diplomacy, Nigeria, feminist IR, women in foreign policy.