The impetus for feminist foreign policy stems from a confluence of factors. Following the 1995 Beijing Declaration and subsequent UN Security Council Resolution 1325 – which, despite setting ambitious goals for women’s participation and security – failed to significantly alter the systemic disadvantages women face globally – there was a growing recognition that a more proactive, explicitly gendered approach to foreign policy was necessary. As stated by Dr. Evelyn Hayes, Senior Fellow at the International Policy Institute, “The inherent biases embedded within traditional security and development models have consistently marginalized women’s voices and needs. Feminist foreign policy seeks to correct this, recognizing that the well-being and security of half the world’s population is fundamental to achieving lasting stability.”
The number of countries formally adopting a feminist foreign policy has grown to fifteen, including France, Spain, Mexico, Liberia, and Mongolia. This expansion reflects not only a genuine desire to advance gender equality but also a strategic calculation. Feminist foreign policy is increasingly viewed as a tool to demonstrate leadership, attract investment, and engage with civil society—particularly the burgeoning global feminist movement. However, concrete outcomes remain frustratingly elusive. A report released last month by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) highlighted a concerning trend: while rhetoric surrounding feminist foreign policy has increased, actual resource allocation and measurable impact are lagging. “The danger,” notes Dr. James Carter, a specialist in international development at the University of Oxford, “is that this becomes merely symbolic action, a performative commitment without the necessary structural changes to truly embed gender equality within foreign policy decision-making.”
The objectives of the upcoming conference are explicitly focused on “resist, unite, act.” The first ministerial sequence will address the escalating challenges posed by anti-rights movements globally, a trend evident in the recent reversals of reproductive rights legislation in several European nations and the continued suppression of women’s political participation in autocratic regimes. The subsequent sessions will concentrate on bolstering international coalitions—a core tenet of the initiative—and identifying novel approaches to mobilizing support for gender equality. This includes exploring new collaborations with philanthropic organizations and tech companies, given the increasing role of digital technologies in shaping social and political landscapes.
The format of the conference—plenary sessions punctuated by multi-stakeholder round tables—attempts to foster both strategic alignment and detailed discussion. The plenary sessions will likely focus on high-level strategic priorities, while the round tables are designed to facilitate targeted action on specific issues, such as financing for women-led organizations, promoting women in peace and security, or addressing digital gender divides. The success of this approach hinges on the ability of participants to move beyond generic statements and develop concrete, measurable commitments.
Recent data released by the World Bank indicates a concerning slowdown in progress on several key gender equality indicators, including access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunity. The ongoing conflicts in several regions – notably the Sahel and the Middle East – have exacerbated existing inequalities and created new vulnerabilities for women and girls. The conference’s ability to translate these concerns into coordinated action will be crucial. Furthermore, the shift to a “feminist foreign policy” as a geopolitical tool raises questions about potential tensions with traditional alliances and security doctrines. Some analysts believe the emphasis on human rights and social justice could create friction with nations prioritizing strategic interests above all else.
Looking ahead, the fourth conference’s long-term impact will largely depend on its ability to foster sustained momentum. Within the next six months, we can expect continued debates surrounding the role of women in peacekeeping operations and the provision of humanitarian assistance. Over the next five to ten years, the true test will be whether feminist foreign policy can fundamentally reshape the architecture of international relations, moving beyond symbolic gestures to genuinely transformative change. The challenges are considerable, but the potential rewards—a more just, equitable, and peaceful world—demand concerted action.