As the Netherlands and Aruba host conferences, the world takes note of a growing movement to integrate gender equality into international relations.
The sounds of lively discussion and collaboration filled the World Forum in The Hague as participants from over 750 civil society organizations, policymakers from more than 40 countries, and academics gathered for the Shaping Feminist Foreign Policy Conference (SFFP) on November 1-2. The event’s opening remarks by Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Liesje Schreinemacher set the tone for a day of inspiration, connection, and practical guidance.
“Feminist foreign policy is not just a buzzword, but an imperative,” said Ms. Schreinemacher. “In these challenging times, where we face a global backlash against women’s rights and gender equality, it is crucial that we prioritize this approach. By doing so, we can foster dialogue, peace, and sustainable development.” This sentiment resonates with the growing momentum behind feminist foreign policy, which seeks to integrate gender equality into international relations.
Historical Background
The concept of feminist foreign policy has its roots in the 1980s, when the United Nations General Assembly first recognized the need for gender mainstreaming in international development. Since then, various conferences and events have been organized to promote this approach, including the 2018 UN Women’s Conference in Beijing.
However, it was not until September 2023 that a significant milestone was reached with the signing of a political declaration on feminist foreign policy by 18 countries during the UN General Assembly. This declaration marked a turning point in global efforts to prioritize gender equality and women’s rights in international relations.
Key Stakeholders
The Netherlands, led by Minister Schreinemacher, has been at the forefront of promoting feminist foreign policy. Other key stakeholders include Aruba, which hosted this year’s SFFP conference, and Mexico, which will host the event next year.
Organizations such as UN Women, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund are also increasingly incorporating feminist foreign policy principles into their work.
Expert Insights
“We need to recognize that feminist foreign policy is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It requires context-specific solutions and partnerships,” said Dr. Amrita Maharaj, Senior Policy Advisor at the Women’s Learning Partnership.
“The global backlash against women’s rights and gender equality is a serious concern,” added Ambassador Sandra Meinecke, former Head of the German Development Cooperation.
“The FFP-tool, launched by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is an important step towards implementing feminist foreign policy in practice,” noted Dr. Ingrid Halle, Senior Researcher at the Global Public Policy Institute.
Current Developments
The SFFP conference took place as a follow-up to the Feminist Foreign Policy Ministerial Event during the UN General Assembly on September 20, 2023. This event saw the signing of a political declaration by 18 countries, marking a significant milestone in global efforts to prioritize gender equality and women’s rights.
Looking Ahead
In the short term (next six months), we can expect increased attention to feminist foreign policy as governments and international organizations continue to promote this approach. In the long term (5-10 years), it is likely that feminist foreign policy will become a cornerstone of global development, leading to more equitable and sustainable outcomes for women and marginalized communities worldwide.
The world is taking notice of the growing momentum behind feminist foreign policy. As countries and organizations continue to integrate gender equality into international relations, we can expect significant shifts in global stability, alliances, and security. Will you be part of shaping this future?