Feminist Foreign Policy: A Framework

Cover page reading 'Feminist Foreign Policy: A Framework' on a dark striped background.
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Published: 2020

Author(s): Lyric Thompson; In consultation with: Cristopher Ballinas Valdés, United Mexican States; Ann Bernes, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Sweden; Mabel Bianco, Fundación para Estudio e Investigación de la Mujer; Sundaa Bridgett-Jones, The Rockefeller Foundation; Bridget Burns, Women’s Environment and Development Organization (WEDO); Ellen Friedman, The Compton Foundation; Elissa Golberg, Global Affairs Canada; Erin Hohlfelder, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; Memory Kachambwa, The African Women’s Development and Communication Network (FEMNET); Kristina Lunz, Centre for Feminist Foreign Policy; Geetanjali Misra, CREA; Delphine O, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, France; Megan O’Donnell, Center for Global Development; Blen Sahilu, Women’s Rights Advocate and Policy Advisor; Theo Sowa, African Women’s Development Fund; Rachel Vogelstein, Council on Foreign Relations; Beth Woroniuk, The Equality Fund

Suggested citation: Thompson, L. (2020). Feminist Foreign Policy: A Framework. Washington, DC: International Center for Research on Women.

Description

As the world marks the 25th Anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a growing number of feminists inside and outside of government are pioneering new approaches to policy that are tailored to address the issues of the day and advance new ground in the global quest for gender equality and the fulfillment of women’s human rights. Today’s most pressing issues, and the solutions that are envisioned, are not radically different from those addressed at Beijing. The context, however, has changed. Despite measurable progress in girls’ education, maternal health and, increasingly, the repeal of discriminatory laws, there are new and dynamic challenges that threaten to reverse progress and rollback rights. 

This framework attempts to distill a definition and few core components of feminist foreign policy, drawing from the few examples that exist today, as well as the insights of feminist thinkers, advocates and experts inside and outside of government.