At the 38th session of the African Union (AU) Summit, Liberia made a defining move in international diplomacy by formally integrating gender equality into its foreign policy framework. This milestone was unveiled at a high-level side event, “Gender Equality in Foreign Policies: Relevance of Feminist Foreign Policies in Africa,” which brought together African ministers, civil society leaders, academics, development partners, and feminist movements to explore how gender-inclusive policies can reshape governance, peace, and economic development across the continent.
Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, opened the event with a clear message about the country’s commitment to a transformative diplomatic agenda. “Liberia is committed to advancing Gender Equality in Foreign Policy, as true gender equality demands full, fair, and inclusive transformation,” she stated, underscoring the nation’s growing leadership in gender-responsive governance.
Liberia’s pioneering role in this initiative follows its historic achievements, including electing Africa’s first female president, appointing the first African woman to preside over the UN Security Council, and active participation in the global FFP+ Group in New York. The country is now positioned to become one of the first in Africa to officially adopt a gender-equal foreign policy, setting a precedent for other nations to follow.
Dr. Kayitesi Jeanne Flora, Head of the Gender Policy Division at the African Union Commission, reiterated the African Union’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment as central to Agenda 2063. She praised Liberia’s efforts to lead by example and stressed the importance of gender-responsive policies in achieving the continent’s development goals.
A paradigm shift in global diplomacy
With five years remaining to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 on gender equality, the AU event highlighted a growing shift in the substance of foreign relations—one that moves beyond traditional state-centered diplomacy toward a human-focused approach. It also coincided with the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security, and the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
During the meeting, Liberia showcased its ongoing efforts to integrate feminist principles into its foreign policy and governance frameworks.
Dr. Thelma Awori, speaking on behalf of the African Women’s Leadership Network (AWLN), emphasized this transformation, stating: “There has been a paradigm shift on the issues that make up the substance of foreign relations. These issues are now not only limited to ending war but also to working for the common good of humanity. This shift has indeed opened the door for the participation of women in this profession.”
She stressed that foreign policy can no longer be detached from human rights, peace, and inclusive development, particularly as Africa grapples with growing inter-state conflicts and refugee crises.
“For Africa at present, peace is fundamental. When foreign policies are state-focused and not human-focused, the lives of so many are at stake. Women and children are the most likely victims of such chaos,” she noted.
Honoring the legacy of women in diplomacy
Dr. Awori reflected on the trailblazing African women who laid the foundation for gender-responsive diplomacy, citing Jeanne Martin Cissé of Guinea, who served as the first African woman President of the UN Security Council in 1972, and Liberia’s Angie Brooks, the first and only African woman to preside over the UN General Assembly.
“Both these African women worked on important feminist agendas—dismantling colonialism, fighting for the human rights of colonized peoples in Africa and beyond. We are proud of and grateful for the inspiration they have given us,” she remarked.
Calls for concrete policy reforms
The discussions, moderated by Dr. Tanya Garnett, led to several actionable recommendations, with AWLN advocating for specific reforms that would turn gender-inclusive diplomacy into a policy reality across Africa. These included:
- A commitment to gender parity in diplomatic appointments—ensuring that foreign ministries implement a 50/50 gender balance in ambassadorial and decision-making roles.
- The inclusion of civil society voices in the negotiation of international agreements, amplifying the concerns of women and marginalized groups.
- A crackdown on illicit financial flows and corruption, which disproportionately harm women and undermine economic progress.
- The promotion of positive masculinity principles—which have already been embraced by some African governments—to redefine leadership in a way that champions gender equality.
“All of these are feminist policies without naming them as such. We seek to restructure and transform our societies to be just and safe places for women and girls, making Africa an example among the nations of the world,” Dr. Awori emphasized.
The event convened ministers, civil society, academia, development partners, and feminist movements to explore how African feminist principles can transform governance, peace, and socio-economic development across the continent.
Global and regional partnerships strengthen momentum
The international community welcomed Liberia’s bold move. Mr. Houinato Maxime, UN Women’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa, highlighted that nearly 25% of AU member states have already integrated gender-responsive measures into their foreign policies, showing a growing continental momentum.
“It is imperative to integrate gender considerations in investment policies to drive inclusive and equitable growth,” he stated, stressing the role of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in fostering gender-inclusive economic development.
France, which adopted a Feminist Diplomacy Strategy in 2019, also participated in the event, sharing insights on how prioritizing gender in diplomacy has strengthened international partnerships, human rights, and economic cooperation.
A turning point for African diplomacy
Liberia’s commitment to gender-equal foreign policy aligns seamlessly with its National Development Plan (2024-2026) ARREST Agenda and the revised National Gender Policy. As the country continues its journey toward an inclusive diplomatic approach, it signals a continent-wide shift toward rethinking governance, peace, and economic development through a gender lens.
The AU side event marked a significant moment in Africa’s governance landscape, proving that gender equality is not just a domestic issue—it is a foreign policy priority. As Liberia steps forward to lead this transformation, the world will be watching—and, perhaps, following suit.
