H.E. Ambassador
Luminița-Teodora Odobescu,
State Counselor,
Office of the Prime Minister of Romania
I began my career at a time when diplomacy was regarded as an almost exclusively male domain. The role of women in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs back then was rather ancillary, behind the scenes, certainly not at the forefront of major decisions, actions or strategies. To step into that territory as a woman required… masculine courage (to use a traditional expression that is suggestive of a certain mindset), an iron will and great endurance. Starting a career in diplomacy meant not only embracing a demanding profession, but also openly confronting prejudices and limitations that, in essence, reflected the rigid patterns of thought characteristic of society at the time.
That is precisely why I felt that every step I took in this field, as a woman, was not only a personal achievement, but also a contribution to changing a collective mentality. Together with my colleagues – at first only a few, later more and more, stronger and stronger – we managed to crack this wall of skepticism which, in the early days, seemed impossible to overcome. Even so, the moment of bringing it down was still far away.
It is true that this evolution was also made possible by the inevitable progress of society, which gradually became more open and more willing to explore its own potential. Yet it is equally true that these changes did not happen on their own, but only through the perseverance and resilience of women who refused to remain on the margins of decision- making, continuing to believe in their own vocation and in their own dream.
Diplomacy has benefited greatly from this involvement, not only symbolically, but in the most pragmatic sense. Women bring to diplomacy a new perspective: nuanced, more attentive to detail, more intuitive. They bring immense power to persevere and a very pronounced sense of responsibility – towards their work, towards the community they represent, towards their country (the very essence of diplomatic work). This sense of responsibility is a force that motivates and guides, deriving from the strong instinct for protection that women generally possess. It is also reflected in seriousness, dedication, devotion, and is further enhanced by the specific ability to use various strategies of soft power – which often prove to be the most effective ones.
History – including the history of our own country – offers countless examples of women who played a decisive role in achieving spectacular diplomatic successes, demonstrating a true vocation for this profession, even though they never exercised it officially. What would Romania’s history look like, for instance, without the clarity of vision and unstoppable perseverance of Queen Marie? Or without the subtlety and refinement of Martha Bibescu’s power of persuasion?
Throughout time, discreetly yet effectively, and also in our contemporary age, when this profession can be practiced freely and openly, women have contributed with patience, determination and ambition to refining diplomatic methods and strategies, defending common ideals as well as very concrete national interests.
I love this profession, which has always given meaning to my life and has shaped my identity. Despite the difficult moments I have sometimes gone through – which required effort, great resilience and even certain personal sacrifices – I feel fortunate and grateful for everything it has given me. I have always lived it as a fulfilled joy, but also as a very serious responsibility: my feminine nature and the education I received as a young girl in the small Transylvanian village where I was born taught me that duty comes first.
I am convinced that my fellow women diplomats (who currently make up a substantial part of the staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – over 50%) practice their profession with the same sense of mission and responsibility, not merely as a professional obligation, but as a form of inner commitment, discreet yet firm – distinctively feminine.
Yet the wall has not been brought down completely. That is why we share a common responsibility to keep going, to support and promote our young female colleagues and to continue fighting stereotypes. In a world of crises and challenges, we need the strength and power of everyone, and especially of our female colleagues. Because perhaps never before has the motto that personally guided my steps been more relevant than it is today: “Never give up!”
