Mme Gulsen GEZER

Has been educated in Austrian High School, Istanbul, A.F.S.student, New Mexico, U.S.A.
Sorbonne, France language training, Political Science Faculty, Ankara University, and Lecturer, Political S.Faculty, Ankara.
As an Ambassador’s spouse, she has been highly active in diplomatic life cultural and social women associations.

The “glass ceiling” phenomena continue to constitute a barrier for women.

– How we should analyze the role of women consuls in diplomatic life?

A woman’s diplomatic and communication skills compared to her male counterparts makes a difference during negotiations and brokering peace.
Moreover, women are more resilient to the changes in the world and diplomacy.
Consular affairs on their own are about providing services to people and helping to solve their problems. In this field, women make a huge difference. Not only do they approach citizens in need in a more empathetic way they also have the tendency to find practical solutions to problems.

– How can we guide resilient diplomacy in the future through a strategy by improving the status, responsibilities, rights, and securities of Women diplomats, equally male counterparts?

This is a matter of understanding the importance of women rights in general. In every walk of life, women must play a greater role. It is difficult for societies to flourish or fully develop if 50% of the population is underrepresented or their full potential is not benefited from.
Based on equality women in diplomacy get posted to the same posts as their male counterparts, however equal pay, the “glass ceiling” phenomena among others continue to constitute a barrier for women. This has to be overcome in an inclusive manner taking into account the needs and priorities of women.

– How do you see the status of women diplomats in the next decade?

The world is changing in an unprecedented manner. We will be facing global challenges such as climate change, terrorism, collateral effects of technology etc., in an increasing manner in the years to come. Countering these challenges entails a global approach. What we need now is more cooperation, mutual tolerance, adherence to democratic values, alleviating poverty and the income gap between rich and poor countries. Women diplomats can play a pivotal role in all these fields.

It is not enough for women to fight for their rights. Men should first and foremost be educated about women’s rights and then defend and support women in their bid for equality. In some countries, this is harder then in others. There are already several global initiatives that tackle gender equality. However, according to some research, if we continue in the same pace to alleviate women’s problems it will take nearly a century for women to have equal rights with men. This is very concerning and truly unfortunate, to say the least.

We all have the responsibility as women to educate people and promote gender equality. This can start at the local community level and go way up to the global level.