- Alexandra Eul, Journalist, Expert on Women‘s Rights and Feminist Policy
- Irene Genzmer, Gender Commissioner, German Corporation for International Cooperation
- Diba Mirzaei, Doctoral Researcher, GIGA Institute for Middle East Studies
- Leonie Stamm, Research Fellow, Feminist Foreign Policy, German Council on Foreign Relations
In 2023, Germany adopted a Feminist Foreign Policy (FFP), joining a growing number of countries - mainly, but not exclusively, in the West - that have embraced this approach. Several EU member states, including Spain, the Netherlands, and Slovenia, have since developed their own feminist foreign policies, inspired by Sweden, which became the first country in the world to announce an FFP in 2014. Over the past seven years, the European Union has made progress in advancing gender equality and women's empowerment in its external actions, notably through the adoption of the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda and the launch of the Gender Action Plan III (GAP III). However, significant progress is still needed to achieve lasting structural change.
FFP prioritizes the rights, representation, and resources of women and marginalized groups, integrating feminist values and principles into all aspects of Germany’s foreign policy. Yet, Germany faces significant internal challenges in realizing these feminist ideals domestically. The country grapples with deep-seated cultural norms and societal attitudes that shape its views on femininity, masculinity, morality, and the influence of religious traditions. Furthermore, the rise of right-wing political parties - often marked by anti-feminist and misogynist views - has created a complex political and cultural landscape. This situation mirrors similar trends in other parts of the world.
Therefore, there is an urgent need for a broader conversation on the impact, implications, and influence of FFP on societies. This event aims at exploring whether FFP can contribute to creating more just, democratic, egalitarian, peaceful, and sustainable societies - both within countries that adopt such policies and in their foreign relations with other nations.
The debate will be followed by a reception with canapés and drinks.
Participation is by invitation only.
Registration for this event is closed.