IWDA Position Paper on Feminist Foreign Policy

Gender is a crucial factor in shaping the economies, governance and stability of nations around the world. Despite this,  Australia’s foreign policy has traditionally been based on the assumption that our interest in a peaceful and prosperous region can be met without consideration of the gendered implications of trade, defence, diplomacy and international cooperation. This hides issues of importance to Australia’s bilateral and regional relationships,  and represents a missed opportunity to work towards a more equal world.

As a feminist organisation,  IWDA is deeply committed to the political process of transforming gender inequality.  IWDA has been working to develop an understanding of what feminist foreign policy means for Australia through research, consultations with women’s rights activists from around the world, and strategic collaborations.

This paper draws on IWDA’s work to date,  outlining the basis of a feminist foreign policy for Australia which is rights based and intersectional,  seeks to transform unequal power relations that lead to gender inequality,  and which is comprehensive and accountable.