Terms of Reference of the Global Partner Network for Feminist Foreign Policy
To download the Terms of Reference, click here.
I. Purpose
To create an informal, global and multi-stakeholder network and dedicated space for the advancement of feminist foreign policies.
To encourage learning and adoption of a shared framework for feminist foreign policy that is adaptable to a range of global contexts.
To deepen understanding about the ideas, policies, collaboration opportunities and partners working to advance feminist foreign policies.
To identify concrete actions and timelines to move this agenda forward, such as the Generation Equality Forum, FFP+ Group events, UN conferences and meetings, and ministerial conferences on feminist foreign policy.
II. Outcomes
Strong relationships at the personal, political and network level that can be called upon for action and advice over time.
Increased understanding, uptake, implementation and sustainability of feminist foreign policy approaches that can be embraced by a wide range of governments and constituencies.
Development and maintenance of a Global Partner Network workplan that participants can rely on for future activities and engagement.
III. Scope of Work
Core Partners, Members and Friends: Roles and Responsibilities
The Global Partner Network offers three options for participation, depending on institutional affiliation and level of engagement. These include:
Core Partner: Civil society organizations, government representatives and individuals actively engaged on feminist foreign policy as a key priority and focus of their work. This includes Global Partner Network leadership. Core Partners plan and attend signature events and convenings and lead ongoing work of the Global Partner Network and its Working Groups on a day-to-day basis.
Member: Civil society organizations, government representatives and individuals that contribute to the Global Partner Network’s activities as one of a number of priorities. Members are able to participate in Global Partner Network events and join or contribute to Working Groups.
Friend: Representatives of government, civil society, philanthropy, multilateral organizations, UN agencies, international financial institutions, academia and individuals who support feminist foreign policy in their individual capacities and are interested in receiving updates on Global Partner Network materials, events and opportunities.
For more information on participant-specific requirements, see this webpage.
The Feminist Foreign Policy Collaborative (the Collaborative) serves as the coordinator and convenor, sharing resources and convening the Global Partner Network at agreed upon intervals.
Global Partner Network Structure
Steering Committee
The Steering Committee provides overall vision and strategy for the Global Partner Network, including its signature convenings. Its members serve two year terms, with possibility of renewal, and meet regularly to set strategy and plan events. The Steering Committee comprises diverse geographic and thematic representation, and any member of the Global Partner Network may express interest in Steering Committee leadership by contacting Collaborative staff. Members may resign from the group, or be dismissed at the discretion of the Collaborative on behalf of the Global Partner Network, at any time.
Research and Learning Working Group
The Research and Learning (R&L) Working Group serves as a platform for members to discuss research ideas and projects, preview or develop methodologies, get feedback on findings, and explore opportunities to identify partners for collaboration. View the R&L Working Group’s Objectives and Principles here.
Advocacy and Outreach Working Group
The Advocacy and Outreach (A&O) Working Group serves as a platform and learning space for members to exchange good practices and lessons on what makes successful advocacy on feminist foreign policies. It also provides a platform for the A&O Working Group members to team up to work on specific initiatives or themes. View the A&O Working Group’s Objectives and Principles here.
[1] The Global Partner Network does not regulate, nor is formally endorsed, by governments pursuing feminist foreign policies. On a voluntary and flexible basis these governments engage in ongoing and informal coordination among themselves and have regular contact with the Global Partner Network in order to foster learning and exchange, including through semi-annual meetings. Participation in initiatives of the Global Partner Network is optional; initiatives taken by some members does not imply that all Global Partner Network members endorse or ascribe to such efforts.
[2] Should any issues arise within the Global Partner Network that participants are not comfortable reporting to Collaborative staff, they may report to the Community Ombudsperson, a position specifically created to resolve complaints and mediate friction.
Community Ombudsperson
The Community Ombudsperson is dedicated to the resolution of complaints that might arise within the Global Partner Network for Feminist Foreign Policy. This position is independent of the Steering Committee and other Working Groups, and ensures that issues are addressed fairly, efficiently and in a manner that fosters trust and collaboration among all parties involved. The Community Ombudsperson serves a two-year term, with possibility of renewal. Global Partner Network members may express interest in the Community Ombudsperson position by communicating with Collaborative staff.
Our current Community Ombudsperson is Ambika Vishwanath. You may contact her at director@kuberneininitiative.com.
The Community Ombudsperson receives any and all complaints related to the management, membership and activities of the Global Partner Network.
The Ombudsperson will investigate any and all complaints, involving the parties they see as relevant. The complainant has the right to remain anonymous. The goal is conflict mediation and dispute resolution in a manner that respects all parties.
The Community Ombudsperson will report generally on complaints and how they were dealt with to the Steering Committee and Collaborative staff while ensuring respect for all parties involved. The membership of the Global Partner Network will be informed annually on the number of complaints received and any general lessons/changes resulting from the process.
IV. About the Feminist Foreign Policy Collaborative
The Feminist Foreign Policy Collaborative (the Collaborative) works to advance feminist approaches to foreign policy worldwide. By curating convenings, conducting field-shaping research and analysis and amplifying expertise, the Collaborative serves as a meeting point for feminists inside and outside of government to work together to ensure feminist foreign policies are ambitious, transformative and effectively implemented.
The Collaborative works in a secretariat capacity supporting the work of two coalitions: the Global Partner Network for Feminist Foreign Policy (Global Partner Network) and the Coalition for a Feminist Foreign Policy in the United States (U.S. Coalition). The Global Partner Network is an informal body of more than 100 organizations, governments and individuals working on feminist foreign policy around the world; the U.S. Coalition unites more than 80 organizations advancing a more feminist foreign policy in the United States. While the focus of each of these coalitions is different, the goal is the same: to ensure wider adoption of feminist foreign policy principles advancing a better future for people, peace and planet.