WHAT IS FEMINIST FOREIGN POLICY?

Feminist foreign policy is a framework to understand and transform the global systems of power which uphold and perpetuate inequality – including patriarchy, colonialism, capitalism, racism and others – in order to create peaceful and flourishing societies.

Feminist foreign policy is often described as being about women’s leadership or gender mainstreaming. Whilst both of these are important elements of a feminist foreign policy, they are just this – elements. Feminist approaches go further by bringing a dedicated focus to gender equality as a central goal, and by going beyond individual empowerment and aiming to transform the systems of power which lead to inequality and marginalization – for individuals, communities and nations.