Women in Diplomacy: Work-life balance

by Marta Kozielska and Amal Khan

This policy brief focuses on two intertwined dimensions of work-life balance: first, the institutional challenges surrounding work-life balance, and second, the normative and cultural challenges that come from entrenched attitudes toward the role of women in diplomacy and the perceived incompatibility of diplomatic careers with family life. In the main report (Smith and Kozielska, 2026), we present a range of solutions that we hope will inspire action and demonstrate that meaningful change can begin with a single, well-designed measure. While in this brief, we take a closer look at work-life balance in diplomacy, examining its root causes, consequences, and the ways in which it perpetuates gender inequality and the underrepresentation of women in diplomacy. It is important to emphasise that, in considering the recommendations proposed in this brief, the aim is to benefit all diplomats, regardless of gender. At the heart of this short paper is the recognition that improving work-life balance is not a zero-sum exercise that advantages women at the expense of men. Instead, it is about creating greater flexibility, support, and choice for all diplomats and, as a result, a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient diplomacy and diplomatic profession for everyone.