France's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has adopted a new ‘action plan’ for professional equality between men and women for the period 2024-2026, which is intended to be ‘more ambitious’ than a previous gender parity programme.
The ministry, known as the Quai d'Orsay, says it is committed to ensuring that more women are nominated for major posts and to supporting the career advancement of female staff.
In a report published on "feminist diplomacy" in July 2023, France's High Council on Equality – an independent French consultative body reporting to the Prime Minister – lamented that within the foreign ministry, men still occupied the most prestigious positions.
In setting new targets, the ministry is now aiming for a proportion of 40 percent of female first-time nominees by 2026 and intends to reach a proportion of 40 percent of women in senior positions by 2027.
According to the ministry, this year more than 45 percent of ambassadors appointed for the first time will be women, while among newly-appointed consuls-general, over 40 percent will also be women.
Particular attention will also be paid to salaries.
Women's health 'key issue'
Starting in January, the Quai d'Orsay will endeavour to identify the functions where gender imbalance is most glaring, with a view to redressing the situation.
The ministry says it will ensure that women have fairer access to posts abroad where the residence allowance is highest.
Other measures include those relating to women's health, presented as "an issue for a successful working life".
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Notable decisions include covering the cost of air travel to France for staff working in countries where abortion is prohibited or sanctioned, and all foreign affairs employees will undergo training in the fight against sexual violence.
"The plan has been drawn up in full consultation with the trade unions," the ministry said.
As a sign that equality for women is also a matter for men, Julien Steimer – the Director General of Administration – will be oversee the plan's implementation.
Since December 2019, public employers in France are required to implement a multi-year action plan on professional equality.
