The Glass Ceiling in Diplomacy: Women, Law, and the Necessity of Change

Women in Polish diplomacy remain underrepresented in top-tier positions, despite the significant role they play in the foreign service. Although the number of women in these roles has been rising since 1991—when Barbara Tuge-Erecińska became the first female ambassador—progress has been slow. In 2024, women accounted for approximately 22% of Poland’s ambassadors, and similar disparities are evident in the leadership of consulates. While certain breakthroughs—such as the appointment of Agnieszka Bartol-Saurel to the EU—signal a shift, the issue is global in nature: women hold only about 20% of ambassadorial posts worldwide.