Statement following Sweden’s decision to end its feminist foreign policy

We are dismayed by the new Swedish government’s decision to abandon the country’s ground-breaking feminist foreign policy (FFP).

Sweden has long been a champion of gender-equality and was the first country to formally set out its FFP in 2014. Since then it has led the way, using its international diplomatic platform to advance what former foreign minister Margot Wallström described as the ‘three R's’, advocating for rights, representation and resources for women and girls around the world. Its bold implementation of this policy has played an instrumental role in shifting the dialogue around the term ‘feminist’ and around the importance of promoting intersectional feminist approaches within the global diplomatic agenda, as well as the practical application of foreign policy. 

Canada, France, Mexico, Spain, Luxembourg, Germany, and Chile have all followed Sweden’s example, and many more have incorporated a focus on women’s and girls’ rights in their international work or are currently developing feminist policies. Momentum is growing and we must build on it, not go backwards. 

FFP is supported by a substantial body of academic research that shows it has the power to make the world safer and more equitable. A vast number of studies have evidenced how women’s empowerment is critical for advancing rights and eliminating poverty, and that women’s participation in conflict resolution and prevention is key to achieving lasting peace processes.

Feminist foreign policy isn’t just a label or political rhetoric. Using the term ‘feminist’ concretely acknowledges and commits to addressing the systemic inequalities and injustices that those who identify as women, and those with diverse gender identities, face in their everyday lives. 

As crises, which disproportionately impact women, girls and marginalised communities, continue to increase both in frequency and severity, we must seek solutions that dismantle injustices and eradicate existing inequalities. While there is still much to be done to ensure a truly sustainable, intersectional and accountable FFP model, more countries embracing feminist policies will result in a fairer, safer, and more just world. 

To achieve this, we call on the Swedish government to reconsider its decision and urge other governments to take action to ensure that the global trend towards FFP continues apace. We also call on all governments from other countries with FFP, to speak up on the policy’s strategic benefit, reconfirm their commitment to FFP, and actualise that commitment by increasing their engagement with, and funding of, feminist-led organisations, particularly those in the Global South.