Feminist foreign policies: An introduction

This paper provides a short explanation about the emergence of feminist foreign policies, including main themes, modalities, key documents, and potential future directions.

Since Sweden blazed the trail in 2014, a dozen countries have expressed their intention of pursuing a feminist foreign policy.

In its most ambitious expression, this policy trend should aspire to transforming the practice of foreign policy to the greater benefit of women and girls everywhere, impacting a country's diplomacy, defense and security cooperation, aid, trade, climate security, and even immigration policies.

At the very least, it provides a clear and visible brand that makes it easier for the public, civic society, or journalists to hold governments accountable to their commitments to advance gender equality or women’s rights.