Gender inequality is a pressing issue in the practice of diplomacy. The role and position of women is marked by barriers based on a gender hierarchy. The aim of the Master's thesis was to explore how countries are implementing the objectives of the FFP, with key research questions focusing on the reasons for the inclusion of feminist objectives and the role of women in the implementation of these policies. Through analysis, we found that there is a disconnect between the rhetoric of the FFP and its practical implementation. This is substantiated by the fact that countries adopt the FFP in order to strengthen their soft and symbolic power and to reposition themselves in the international community. In this way, they present themselves as progressive actors committed to gender equality. The FFP guidelines are based on purely symbolic representation, which can lead to a loss of legitimacy, influence and prestige for states. Key findings show that despite their stated commitment to gender equality and the promotion of feminist goals, the majority of ambassadors sent by these countries to economically and militarily important countries are still men. Thus, the EU Member States are not pursuing feminist goals through the FFP, and the role of women in the FFP is perceived as agents of symbolic representation through which states can enhance their prestige and prestige, and consequently their symbolic power.
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