Challenges and opportunities in the advacement of Feminist Foreign Policy Explorations through the lens of transforming patriarchal masculinities

Introduction

An exploration of Feminist Foreign Policy through feminist and gender-transformative perspectives, examining opportunities and challenges around decolonization, anti-rights movements, human security, climate justice, funding, and meaningful engagement with feminist movements.

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Feminist Foreign Policy (FFP) has emerged as a transformative approach challenging traditional models of international relations rooted in militarism, nationalism, hierarchy, and unequal power structures. This resource explores how FFP can contribute to advancing gender equality, human security, peace, and climate justice while critically examining the tensions shaping its implementation.

Challenging Anti-Rights Backlash

Drawing on insights from feminist activists, movements, and collectives, this resource explores the growing anti-rights and anti-gender backlash threatening gender equality globally. It highlights the importance of institutionalizing Feminist Foreign Policy so that it remains resilient against political shifts and changing governments, ensuring long-term commitment to feminist principles.

Decolonization, Eurocentrism & Shared Power

The resource examines key debates around the future of FFP, including the risks of co-option, pink-washing, Eurocentrism, and the reproduction of colonial power dynamics. It argues that feminist foreign policies must move beyond symbolic commitments and become grounded in accountability, decolonization, shared power, and meaningful partnerships with feminist and social justice movements, particularly those in the Global South.

Human Security & Transforming Masculinities

The resource also examines the importance of shifting from state-centered security approaches toward human security frameworks that prioritize the dignity, safety, and wellbeing of people and communities. Through a gender-transformative lens, it highlights the need to challenge patriarchal masculinities linked to militarism, violence, authoritarianism, environmental exploitation, and unequal systems of power, while promoting more equitable and peaceful alternatives.

Funding Justice & Climate Justice

Recognizing that meaningful change requires investment, the resource emphasizes the importance of funding feminist movements and aligning public resources with feminist commitments rather than militarization. It also explores the links between Feminist Foreign Policy and climate justice, calling for international cooperation rooted in care, solidarity, ecological sustainability, and collective responsibility.

Reimagining Foreign Policy

By connecting feminist foreign policy with decolonization, funding justice, climate justice, human security, and the transformation of masculinities, this resource invites policymakers, practitioners, and movements to reimagine foreign policy as a tool for advancing equality, peace, justice, and collective wellbeing.

Who will find this resource useful?

This resource will be useful for:

• Policymakers, diplomats, and government representatives developing or implementing Feminist Foreign Policy frameworks.
• Feminist activists, civil society organizations, and social justice movements advocating for gender equality, human rights, and peace.
• Researchers, academics, and students studying foreign policy, feminism, peacebuilding, international relations, decolonization, climate justice, and masculinities.
• Practitioners working on gender-transformative approaches, human security, climate justice, peacebuilding, and anti-militarism.
• Organizations, networks, and development partners seeking to engage men and boys in advancing feminist approaches to global justice and supporting feminist movements.

Learn more

This resource is part of MenEngage Alliance’s advocacy work to promote gender-transformative approaches that engage men and boys in advancing gender justice, human rights, and feminist change. To explore our broader advocacy priorities, campaigns, and policy engagement, visit our Advocacy pages:

• Our Advocacy Approach
• Advocacy Resources & Publications