After Sweden, Canada, and Luxembourg, France is the fourth country in 2019 to officially commit to feminist diplomacy. This gives France a crucial role to play at the international level and an imperative to set ambitious objectives and a clear roadmap. According to the HCE (High Commission for Equality), this diplomatic approach is “an effective way to combat negative trends in democracy, provided that a strong political commitment drives it. It can become an appropriate international instrument to counter the decline of democracy, provided that it is driven by a strong political commitment.” For the HCE (High Commission for Equality), this diplomacy “can become the appropriate international instrument to counter the decline of democracy, provided that it is backed by strong political will at all levels and equipped with substantial resources commensurate with the stated ambition.” What are the French government’s agenda regarding feminist diplomacy in 2025?
A NEW STRATEGY FOR FRANCE’S FEMINIST DIPLOMACY IS LONG OVERDUE
We are still waiting for France to adopt a strategic document and guidelines for its feminist diplomacy. Its publication has been postponed several times in 2024. The current political situation and the recent formation of a new government are likely to further delay the deadline.
In its final evaluation report on France’s third International Strategy for Gender Equality (2018-2022), the HCE, while noting some successes, is categorical: French feminist diplomacy is vague and sorely lacking in definition, with little political support and funding. For the next strategy, one of the main recommendations supported by civil society is to create a clear and precise monitoring and accountability framework. Only measurable objectives and outcome indicators will make it possible to assess the real impact of actions. Coordination SUD proposes, for example, that parliamentarians be able to monitor the future strategy on an annual basis. “By voting on the draft finance bill (PLF) each year, parliamentarians are key players in ensuring that the necessary resources are allocated to this strategy and that a proportion of ODA is gender responsive.”
A SUMMIT ON FEMINIST FOREIGN POLICIES IN JULY 2025
After three summits held successively in Germany, the Netherlands and Mexico in 2024, France will host the 4th international conference on feminist foreign policies, “Shaping feminist foreign policies,” in the summer of 2025. These are international dialogues on integrating a feminist perspective into the formulation and implementation of foreign policies. These conferences aim to explore how feminist principles can influence the diplomatic strategies and actions of governments worldwide.
One of the conclusions of the summit held in Germany was that governments and international actors are responsible for the impact of their policies on women and marginalized communities. Based on this principle, transparency in the collection and distribution of financial resources for feminist initiatives must be considered a central issue. In the Netherlands, the Summit concluded that more direct funding for local feminist organizations is needed, particularly in developing countries, to ensure that international interventions respect the priorities and needs of communities on the ground. What will be the priorities and conclusions of the Summit to be held in France? What ambitious goals can France set to ensure the effective implementation of feminist foreign policies around the world?
AN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON DEVELOPMENT FUNDING THAT DOES NOT ADDRESS GENDER
The ICFD (International Conference on Financing for Development) is a series of global conferences organized under the auspices of the United Nations, focusing on the means of financing economic development at the global level. These conferences aim to mobilize the financial resources necessary to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in developing countries. This series of conferences, which has been running since 2002, provides a global framework for financing sustainable development. They are key moments for reassessing and adapting global financial mechanisms in the face of global economic, social, and environmental challenges. However, the fourth edition of the ICD, which will take place in Seville, Spain, in early July, does not include gender issues and gender equality, even though this is a fundamental cross-cutting objective of the SDGs. It is clear that France, as part of its own feminist diplomacy, has a duty to put gender issues on the agenda of this international conference.
In response to this blind spot, a counter-summit is being organized in Madrid from May 21 to 23, 2025, by civil society organizations. More information is available on the Walking the Talk website.
France is a key player in the implementation of feminist foreign policies due to its diplomatic influence, its commitments to human rights and international cooperation, and its positions in multilateral forums. 2025 offers many opportunities in this regard. By strengthening its efforts to promote gender equality in foreign policy, France can play a leading role in transforming international relations.
To find out more about major international events, check out the calendar produced by FOCUS 2030.