ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia –Liberia is poised to make history as the first African nation to formally adopt a Feminist Foreign Policy, reaffirming its commitment to gender equality on the global stage. During a high-level side event at the 38th African Union Summit, Liberia solidified its leadership in gender-responsive governance, setting a precedent for African nations to integrate feminist principles into their diplomatic and development agendas.
The event, titled “Gender Equality in Foreign Policies: Relevance of Feminist Foreign Policies in Africa,” brought together key stakeholders, including government ministers, civil society leaders, academics, development partners, and feminist advocates. Discussions centered on how Africa can mainstream gender equality in governance, peacebuilding, and socio-economic policies, with Liberia emerging as a front-runner in the movement.
Liberia’s engagement in feminist diplomacy is rooted in a history of breaking barriers. From electing Africa’s first female president to its active participation in the FFP+ Group at the United Nations, Liberia has consistently championed gender inclusivity. Now, with its commitment to integrating feminist principles into its foreign policy, the West African nation is positioning itself as a leader in gender-responsive governance.
Her Excellency Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, delivered an impassioned speech underscoring the transformative power of feminist policies. She emphasized that “true gender equality demands transformative action” and reiterated Liberia’s commitment to embedding feminist principles into its foreign policy to ensure inclusivity and equitable decision-making at all levels. She also called for increased representation of women in global governance structures.
“Liberia is committed to advancing Gender Equality in Foreign Policy, as true gender equality demands full, fair, and inclusive transformation,” she stated.
Dr. Kayitesi Jeanne Flora, Head of the Gender Policy Division at the African Union Commission, commended Liberia’s efforts and emphasized that gender-responsive policies are key to achieving Agenda 2063. According to her, Liberia’s leadership in feminist foreign policy serves as an example for the continent and urged other African nations to work towards embedding gender equality in diplomatic engagements.
The discussion on feminist foreign policy comes at a time when there is only five years left to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 on gender equality, and as the world marks the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security, Liberia’s move signals a shift toward transformative governance.
Mr. Houinato Maxime, Regional Director of UN Women for West and Central Africa, talked about recent findings from B+30 national reports, revealing that nearly 25 percent of African nations have integrated gender-responsive elements into their foreign policies. However, Liberia’s commitment to full adoption of a Feminist Foreign Policy would make it the first on the continent to take such a decisive step. He stressed the importance of gender-responsive foreign direct investment (FDI) in fostering inclusive economic growth and urged investment strategies to actively promote women’s economic empowerment.
“As we discuss the adoption of feminist foreign policy, we must consider: how is foreign direct investment directed towards gender equality? How do investors invest in the context of gender equality and how is the money Liberians from outside send to the country used to invest in ways that improve gender equality,” he remarked.
He added: “It is imperative to integrate gender considerations in investment policies to drive inclusive and equitable growth.”
Also speaking as a panelist, renowned civil society advocate Dr. Thelma Awori, urged African states to embrace a feminist foreign policy to promote justice, transparency, and inclusivity in international relations. Dr. Awori stressed the need for a paradigm shift from state-centered to human-centered diplomacy.
“Feminist Foreign Policy, by its very description, strives to make the world more just, transparent, and inclusive for all,” she stated. “The geopolitical and geo-economic agendas must prioritize human interest over state interest.”
Dr. Awori, representing the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), commended women in foreign affairs for championing transformative diplomacy. She highlighted the contributions of trailblazing African women such as Guinea’s Jeanne Martin Cissé and Liberia’s Angie Brooks, who played pivotal roles at the United Nations.
“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 warned, citing the increasing number of refugees and displaced persons due to conflicts.
AWLN proposed key recommendations for African heads of state, including implementing a 50/50 gender parity policy in foreign appointments, ensuring women’s voices in international negotiations, and halting the illicit flow of African resources.
“We seek to restructure and transform our societies into a just and safe place for women and girls, making Africa an example among the nations of the world,” she asserted.
Dr. Awori called for the establishment of a Group of Friends of Gender Equality at the African Union to promote feminist governance, along with continued national and regional consultations to ensure inclusive policymaking.
A French representative shared insights on the country’s own Feminist Diplomacy Strategy, which was adopted in 2019, and emphasized the need for African nations to prioritize gender equality in international relations.
Liberia’s commitment to feminist foreign policy aligns with its National Development Plan (2024-2026) ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development and its revised National Gender Policy.
Photo credit: All photos by Emmanuel Mensah, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Liberia
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