Gender equality in foreign policy sought for gender justice, durable peace

Kathmandu- Stakeholders have stressed the need for gender mainstreaming in foreign policy. In a SAARC-level regional conference on ‘women and foreign policy’ commenced in Kathmandu on Thursday, the participants underlined women’s equal participation in diplomacy with the guarantee of the representation of marginalized communities.

“Foreign policy should be implemented through a woman’s perspective,” they voiced. Gender equality in foreign policy is needed to pave way for equity, justice, goodwill, and durable peace, they said, recommending rigorous implementation of the policy of positive discrimination. They also proposed guarantee of gender justice in foreign policy for its straightening. The feminist perspective in foreign policy will help ensure women’s access to rights and resources, according to them.

The participants believed that the importance of the feminist lens in foreign policy is increasing in world geopolitics because it can achieve sustainable peace, promote a culture of collaboration, increase women’s access to decision-making levels, and achieve gender equality. During an inaugural session, European Union’s Ambassador to Nepal, Veronica Lorenzo, highlighted the need for women’s participation in the decision-making and peace establishment.

Establishment of gender participation in foreign policy and women’s representation in the development of diplomacy are pressing needs in her opinion. Diplomat Dr Shambhu Ram Simkhada, Maldives’ former Deputy Speaker Eva Abdulla, and Asian Political Dialogue Programme Singapore Director Andreas Klein women’s participation should be enhances in the UN and other organizations as well. Programme coordinator Nischal Pandey shared the engagement of Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Arzu Rana Deuba in the Conference of Women Foreign Ministers in Canada and the recognition of the importance of women’s participation in forging policy by the event.

“Women and foreign policy have appeared as a significant global agenda.” Women’s participation is warranted in the areas of foreign policy, international relations, and international security, he added. The two-day event is attended by thematic experts and representatives from the SAARC nations except Afghanistan. The event holds panel discussions about the importance of gender equality in foreign policy, women’s participation in diplomacy and other various areas, South Asian foreign policy, understanding of women’s role in peace building, existing challenges and opportunities for women in foreign policy. The programme is organised by the Consortium of South Asian Thinks.