Women In International Relations: Going Beyond Classical Diplomacy

As part of commemorative activities to mark the 5th edition of the International Day of Women in Diplomacy, the Ministry of External Relations organised a conference at the International Relations Institute of Cameroon (IRIC) on June 24, 2026. It took place under the theme, "Women Diplomats: A support lever for the economic development of Cameroonian women in the agricultural sector,” with the opening ceremony chaired by the Minister Delegate to the Minister of External Relations in charge of Cooperation with the Commonwealth, Felix Mbayu on behalf of the Minister. The conference intends taking leadership aspects closer to the rural women, demystify the myth of diplomacy and pay homage to brave ladies who sacrifice to provide food for families and communities. The International Day of Women in Diplomacy is observed annually on June 24 since 2022, to honour the contributions of women in global affairs, peacebuilding, and multilateral decision-making. According to Minister Mbayu, long before women joined the foreign service, they contributed in shaping international relations by gathering information needed to advance relations and careers. To him, the day celebrates the merit of women in leadership positions, especially given the fact that the President of the Republic has placed women and youth at the centre of this current seven-year mandate. With regards to the conference, the Minister said women play an important role in promoting agriculture and constitute over 70 per cent of the actors in agricultural activities. Facing challenges such as limited access to land and weak representation in the decision- making process, he noted that women are actors of mobilising partnerships and finances for agricultural development and the rural woman. To this effect, the Minister ci...