THE FIRST WOMEN IN RESPONSIBLE POSITIONS IN THE MINISTRIES OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF POLAND AND UKRAINE (Kazimiera Iłłakowiczówna and Nadia Surowcowa)

Abstract

The article shows the fate of the first women to hold responsible positions in the foreign ministries of Poland and Ukraine in the period of formation of the diplomatic services of both countries during the struggle of Ukrainians and Poles for the restoration of state independence in 1917-1921. At that time, diplomacy was a purely male field of activity. However, Kazimiera Iłłakowiczówna in Poland and Nadia Surowcowa in Ukraine have proven that women can work effectively in the diplomatic service. They were both fluent in several foreign languages, demonstrated creative approaches to solving complex problems, and fought for women's rights. Surowcova became the first woman in Ukrainian diplomacy to hold the position of head of an independent unit, the first spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the first Ukrainian woman to defend her dissertation at the University of Vienna. Iłłakowiczówna proved the effectiveness of women in Polish diplomacy in various positions, she was the first to use the tools of public diplomacy during foreign trips with lectures on Poland and J. Piłsudski, she introduced diplomatic protocol in the Ministry of Military Affairs. Through their activities, both diplomats left important lessons of responsibility, professionalism, and creativity to future generations of women in diplomacy.

The article concludes that these two unique women, despite extraordinary challenges, lived long and vibrant lives, went through fame, envy, oblivion and revival of memory, and became true legends - as diplomats and writer and journalist. Each of them found themselves in the diplomatic service by accident, but immediately realised their mission and pride in joining diplomacy as an important state institution in the days of its formation.