Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy

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Photographers: p. 1, 20 and 69 Ryan Brown/UN Women p. 7, 11, 14 and 15 Kristian Pohl/Government Offices of Sweden p. 17 Ninni Andersson/Government Offices of Sweden p. 41 Catarina Axelsson/Government Offices of Sweden p. 24 Manuel Elias/UN Photo p. 26 The Swedish Embassy in p. 29 and 42 Government Offices of Sweden p. 35 The Swedish Embassy in Tunis p. 55 and 59 Moa Haeggblom/Government Offices of Sweden p. 57 The Swedish Embassy in Islamabad p. 62 The Permanent Representation of Sweden to the EU p. 65 Elin Nyström/Government Offices of Sweden p. 72 Catarina Axelsson/Government Offices of Sweden p. 75 Linda Grandin/ The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency p. 79 Ulrika Grandin/Government Offices of Sweden p. 86 Johan Schiff p. 91 Hanne Hansen/Swedish Chamber of Commerce p. 94 The Delegation of Sweden to Unesco, Paris p. 97 Osse Greca Sinare p 101 Plan International

Ministry for Foreign Affairs, 2019 2 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Contents 3.5 Exemples of internal work...... 43 Contents Foreword ...... 6 3.6 Voices on feminist foreign policy...... 48 1. Introduction...... 8 4. Methods for norm changes and 2. What is feminist foreign policy? ... 10 mobilisation ...... 52 2.1 The core of the feminist foreign policy...... 11 5. Working methods within the various The three Rs...... 13 subsidiary areas of foreign policy .60 2.2 The framework for the feminist 5.1 Foreign and security policy...... 63 foreign policy...... 16 5.1.1 Peace and security ...... 63 2.3 Objective areas for Sweden's 5.1.2 , feminist foreign policy...... 19 and the rule of law...... 68 2.3.1 Full enjoyment of human 5.1.3 Disarmament and rights...... 20 non-proliferation...... 72 2.3.2 Freedom from physical, 5.2 International development psychological and sexual ...... 22 cooperation...... 74 2.3.3 Participation in preventing and 5.3 Trade and promotion policy ...... 85 resolving conflicts, and post-conflict peacebuilding...... 24 6. Working methods at country level .92 2.3.4 Political participation and influence in all areas of society...... 25 7. Pursuing in the face 2.3.5 Economic rights and of headwinds ...... 102 empowerment ...... 27 2.3.6 Sexual and reproductive 8. References...... 108 health and rights (SRHR) ...... 28 8.1 Documents...... 108 3. Working methods within the 8.2 Websites ...... 111 Swedish Foreign Service...... 30 8.3 Twitter...... 111 3.1 Leadership...... 31 3.2 Ownership ...... 34 3.3 Guidance...... 36 3.4 Support...... 39

Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 5 Foreword

In October 2014, Sweden became the use when analysing conditions in the shows that gender-equal societies enjoy based on new knowledge and analyses. first country in the world to launch a contexts we work in. What do the better health, stronger economic feminist foreign policy. Taking this step statistics say about the differences growth and greater security. It also In pursuing a feminist foreign policy, means that we systematically integrate a between women and men, girls and shows that gender equality contributes Sweden’s feminist government has gender perspective throughout our boys? Do they have the same rights – to to peace, and that when woman are taken another step towards realising its foreign policy agenda. , work, marriage, divorce and involved in peace processes, the vision of a gender-equal world. By inheritance? Are women represented likelihood of lasting peace increases. sharing knowledge and experiences, we This handbook is intended as a resource where decisions that affect them are can all contribute to accelerating global in international work for gender equality made – in parliaments, on boards and in This handbook presents activities gender equality. Change is possible. and all women’s and girls’ full enjoyment legal systems? Is gender equality taken carried out by thousands of people all of human rights. It contains a selection into account when resources are over the world. Naturally, it only of methods and experiences that can allocated – in central government includes a selection of implemented and serve as examples and inspiration for budgets or development assistance ongoing activities, not least because further work in the Swedish Foreign projects? methods are constantly being refined Service and other areas of public administration, and society generally. The policy has achieved significant The handbook also outlines the first results. We have established a network Per Olsson Fridh Ann Linde Anna Hallberg years of feminist foreign policy of women mediators active all around Minister for International Minister for Minister for Foreign implementation, responding simul- the world. We have championed issues Development Cooperation Foreign Affairs Trade with responsibility taneously to the considerable national relating to women, peace and security for Nordic Affairs and international interest in this policy. within the UN Security Council. We have campaigned for women’s and girls’ Sweden’s feminist foreign policy begins sexual and and and ends with reality. Based on facts and rights, and greater access to midwives; statistics on the daily lives of girls and we have increased the representation of women, the policy aims to deliver women in peace processes and legal results that make a difference in people’s systems, and in the world’s largest lives. Otherwise, it will lose its relevance. online encyclopedia Wikipedia.

Feminist foreign policy work is organised Our work is based on the premise that around three Rs: rights, representation gender equality is not just a women’s and resources. This is the framework we issue – it benefits everyone. Research

6 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 7 1. Introduction Sweden is the first country in the world This handbook is divided into seven to pursue a feminist foreign policy. The sections, combining methods with policy was launched in 2014 in response examples of what the policy has to the discrimination and systematic achieved. The introductory chapter subordination that still mark the daily describes what Sweden’s feminist lives of countless women and girls foreign policy involves and is based on. around the world. The feminist foreign The next section reviews the methods policy entails applying a systematic used to ensure the impact of the policy gender equality perspective throughout in the Swedish Foreign Service. The foreign policy. One starting point is following chapter provides examples of that gender equality is an objective in how the feminist foreign policy works itself, but it is also essential for with norm change and mobilisation. achieving the Government’s other Then follows a chapter with examples overall objectives, such as peace, of overall methods that have been used security and sustainable development. within the three policy areas encompas- sed by Swedish foreign policy – foreign This handbook describes how Sweden’s and security policy, development feminist foreign policy was launched, cooperation, and trade and promotion gathered pace and was developed into policy. The two concluding chapters a hallmark for Swedish dialogue in a take a closer look at operations at world characterised by gender inequali- country level and describe the work ty. The handbook is based on experien- involved in pursuing gender equality in ces from the work of the Swedish the face of headwinds. Foreign Service, and focuses on the practical implementation of the policy. It is intended to support the Swedish Foreign Service in its ongoing work, while also satisfying the considerable national and international interest in Sweden’s feminist foreign policy.

8 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 9 2.1 The core of the feminist foreign policy

2. What is feminist foreign policy? Essentially, Sweden’s feminist foreign “In a world with increasing policy is a working method and a resistance to women’s and perspective that takes three Rs as girls’ rights, representation and its starting point and is based on a fourth R. The implication is that the resources, a feminist foreign Swedish Foreign Service, in all its parts, policy is needed more than shall strive to strengthen all women’s ever. Sweden will continue to and girls’ Rights, Representation and Resources, based on the Reality in pursue this policy with full which they live. Sweden’s feminist force all around the world.”

foreign policy is a transformative Minister for Foreign Affairs Ann Linde agenda that aims to change structures and enhance the visibility of women and girls as actors. Discrimination and gender inequality in all life’s stages and contexts shall be counteracted. The policy is based on intersectionality, which means taking into account the fact that people have different living conditions, levels of influence and needs. 

iarritz-partnership-event-on-gender-equality-and-womens-empowerment/

10 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 11 The Three Rs

Rights: The Swedish Foreign Service “While a few seek to restrict the rights promotes all women’s and girls’ full Whose rights? 2 enjoyment of human rights, which of half of the world’s population, we includes combating all forms of •• 104 countries around the world violence and discrimination that restrict have laws preventing women represent a global movement for the their freedom of action. from carrying out certain jobs (for example in mining, manu- Representation: The Swedish Foreign facturing, the construction empowerment of women and girls and Service promotes women’s industry, energy, agriculture, 1 participation and influence in decision- water and transport). their full enjoyment of human rights.” making processes at all levels and in all areas, and shall seek dialogue with •• In 18 countries, men can legally Minister for Foreign Affairs Ann Linde women representatives at all levels, prevent their wives from working. including in civil society. •• 59 countries have no laws Resources: The Swedish Foreign forbidding sexual harassment Service works to ensure that resources in the workplace. are allocated to promote gender equality and equal opportunities for all •• 123 countries have no laws women and girls to enjoy human rights. regarding sexual harassment in The Swedish Foreign Service shall also education. promote targeted measures for diffe- rent target groups. •• 37 countries have no laws to protect pregnant employees from being dismissed.

•• 45 economies have no laws to protect women against violence in the home.

2 The World Bank, “Women, Business and the Law 2018” 1 https://www.government.se/speeches/20192/09/speech-by-minister-for-foreign-affairs-ann-linde-at- the-biarritz-partnership-event-on-gender-equality-and-womens-empowerment/

12 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 13 ”Women and girls around the ”There is overwhelming Representation – what is world are still subjected to evidence that gender equality Equal distribution the current situation? systematic discrimination and boosts . of resources •• In 2017 there were only 17 women subordination. In recent years, Despite this, trade policy today •• Women own less than 20 heads of state in the world. In a we have seen a pushback on benefits men more than per cent of the world’s land survey carried out by the Inter- global gender equality and women. We need to step up resources. In many countries, Parliamentary Union in March women do not have the legal 2018, 193 countries were ranked girls' and women's opportuni- efforts to ensure that trade right to own land.6 based on the proportion of ties to empowerment and policy and trade promotion women in parliament, with independence. Swedish activities benefit women and •• Globally, 200 million fewer Rwanda, Bolivia and Cuba development cooperation men equally.” women than men own a mobile topping the list. Sweden came phone. 7 This limits women’s seventh, with 43.6 per cent should help counteract these Minister for Foreign Trade with responsibility for ability to access information and Nordic Affairs Anna Hallberg women.3 forces." 5 their participation in and access to

Minister for International Development services, such as credit, which in •• A study of 31 major peace Cooperation Per Olsson Fridh many countries are now provided processes between 1992 and 2011 via mobile telephony. revealed that only nine per cent of negotiators were women. Of those who signed peace agreements, more than 96 per cent were men.4

5 http://archive.ipu.org/wmn-e/classif.htm 6 https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2017/01/women-own-less-than-20-of-the-worlds-land-its-time-to-give-them- 6 https://www.peacewomen.org/sites/default/files/UNW-GLOBAL-STUDY-1325-2015%20(1).pdf equal-property-rights/ 7 Invänta ny länk 7 https://www.gsma.com/mobilefordevelopment/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Connected-Women-Gender-Gap.pdf

14 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 15 2.2 The framework for the Swedish gender research gathered Sweden regularly tops rankings of International frameworks feminist foreign policy pace and became an established the world’s gender equality – from the that form the basis for academic discipline. European Institute for Gender Equality’s Sweden’s commitment (EIGE) ranking of gender equality in – a selection Sweden’s foreign policy has long been Another key component in this the EU to the World Economic characterised by a clear rights and systematic approach was the intro- Forum’s (WEF) Global Gender Gap. •• The Universal Declaration of gender equality perspective. However, duction of gender mainstreaming as This demonstrates that Sweden’s policy Human Rights. the feminist foreign policy represents a working method. This was introduced has been successful in many ways when an increase in ambitions. The policy is in the 1990s, and has continued to it comes to promoting gender equality, •• The Convention on the also an integral part of the work of a be developed and confirmed since but significant challenges still remain. Elimination of All Forms of feminist government and a continua- then.9 Gender mainstreaming involves Discrimination Against Women. tion of many years of national gender a gender equality perspective being equality policy. included in all policies that affect •• The declarations and actions plans people’s conditions, so that all women from the UN World Conference Sweden made a name for itself early and men, girls and boys can live on Women in Beijing and the on with its progressive gender equality equal lives.10 International Conference on policy featuring social reforms to Population and Development strengthen women and girls at every Gender mainstreaming work has in Cairo, as well as the final stage of life and in all forums, such as intensified further in recent years. documents from the follow-up separate taxation, generous childcare This is illustrated, for example, by a conferences. provisions and shared, gender-neutral sharper focus on gender equality Meeting on Gender Mainstreaming in Government Agencies (JiM) with Director Generals of Swedish parental leave. The right to , within the central government budget. Government Agencies that participates in the •• The Security which was introduced in 1974, also The Government has also expanded JiM-programme, October 2019. The meeting was headed by Swedish Minister for Gender Equality, the Council Resolution 1325 on helped to reinforce women’s rights. its Gender Mainstreaming in Minister for Social Security, and the Minister for women, peace and security, and The Swedish Gender Equality Act was Government Agencies (JiM) Home Affairs. subsequent resolutions. introduced in 1979 to create an equal programme to include almost 60 labour market free from discrimina- Swedish agencies. 11 On 1 January •• The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable tion. Alongside these initiatives, 2018, the Government established Development and the agreements a progressive movement led by women the Swedish Gender Equality Agency from the conferences on emerged. Issues that had previously to contribute towards the effective, financing for development. been seen as ‘women’s issues’ appeared structured and cohesive implemen- on the general agenda for Swedish tation of gender equality policy.12 •• The EU action plan for gender domestic policy. Commissions were 8 www.regeringen.se/artiklar/2017/01/mer-om-jamstalldhetspolitikens-mal/ equality and women’s empower- appointed which emphasised Sweden’s 9 Bill 1993/94:147 ment in EU’s external relations. overall gender equality objective: 10 www.regeringen.se/regeringens-politik/jamstalldhet/jamstalldhetsintegrering/ 11 The Gender Mainstreaming in Government Agencies initiative (‘Jämställdhetsintegrering i myndigheter’ in “Women and men shall have the same power to Swedish, abbreviated to JiM) has its own website, and involves agencies including the Swedish International shape society and their own lives.” 8 Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and the Folke Bernadotte Academy (FBA). 12 Dir. 2016:108

16 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 17 2.3 Objective areas for Sweden’s These are individual objectives, but Feminist foreign policy – part The Government’s gender equality feminist foreign policy they also contribute to the same overall of a bigger feminist structure policy takes as its starting point the objective: a gender equal world. The knowledge and understanding that objectives are also mutually reinforcing The Government Communication gender and power are created and Sweden’s feminist foreign policy will and are dependent on each other. By “Power, goals and agency – a maintained structurally in all sections contribute to gender equality and all improving women’s and girls’ access to feminist policy for a gender-equal of society. Gender is of fundamental women’s and girls’ full enjoyment of sexual and reproductive rights, positive future” was launched in 2016. In this importance to people’s opportunities human rights. In order to implement changes can for example be observed in Communication, the Swedish and conditions, at individual, organi- this, the Swedish Foreign Service has women’s economic empowerment.15 Government presented its gender sational and societal levels, and at produced an action plan that is updated Research also shows that an increase in equality policy direction, including an every stage of life. Sweden still annually, with six long-term external women’s political participation and organisation for implementation, a features significant differences in objectives.14 having more women in decision-ma- monitoring system, a ten-year national conditions for life between women king positions leads to more progressi- strategy for preventing and combating and men. There are systematic ve social reforms.16 Another example is men’s , and a differences between women and men that stronger legislation for women’s new structure for sub-goals. The when it comes to power and influence, The six external objectives rights leads to increased participation starting point for this work is as follows: education, work, position, income, pay in the 2019–2022 action plan. for women in society. 17 The objectives and careers, unpaid housework and The Swedish Foreign have intentionally been set at a high “Sweden has a feminist Government. caring, exposure to violence and Service shall contribute to level in order to enable several policy The Government’s gender equality health. The Government’s gender all women’s and girls’: areas and tools to contribute to them policy is based on the overall objective equality policy therefore aims to with their combined strength. that women and men shall have the create justice between women and 1. Full enjoyment of human rights same power to shape society and their men, girls and boys. The gender 2. Freedom from physical, psycho- Since 2017, the action plan also includes own lives. Gender equality is a equality policy is also a central part logical and sexual violence a seventh objective involving the question of justice and an important of the work to ensure full respect for Swedish Foreign Service’s internal work 3. Participation in preventing and part of building society. Gender Sweden’s international human rights resolving conflicts, and post-conflict supporting and manifesting the equality also contributes towards undertakings. Sweden shall be a role peacebuilding implementation of the policy. This economic growth by making use of model for gender equality, both work is described in chapter three, 4. Political participation and influence the potential of both women and men. nationally and internationally.” 13 while the work relating to the six in all areas of society external objectives is described below. 5. Economic rights and empowerment 6. Sexual and reproductive health 13 ”Makt, mål och myndighet – feministisk politik för en jämställd framtid” (“Power, goals and agency – a feminist policy for a gender-equal future”), Government Communication 2016/17:10 and rights (SRHR) 14 https://www.government.se/information-material/2018/03/swedish-foreign-service-action-plan-for-femi nist-foreign-policy-20192022-including-indicative-measures-for-2019/ 15 www.prb.org/womens-economic-empowerment/ 16 www.peaceisloud.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Why-Women-in-Politics.pdf 17 See e.g. www.unwomen.se/demokrati-manskliga-rattigheter-och-kvinnors-politiska-egenmakt/

18 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 19 2.3.1 Full enjoyment of human rights •• Championed the inclusion of sexual The Swedish Foreign Service will reproductive health and reproductive Sweden’s main message: work for all women’s and girls’ full rights in the General Assembly’s enjoyment of human rights in its resolution on child, early and forced •• The nations of the world have undertaken in legally binding multilateral, regional and bilateral marriage. conventions to respect, defend and work, and within and through the EU. fulfil all individuals human rights, Discrimination against women and •• Worked to strengthen the enjoyment without any discrimination. girls affects, among other things, their of human rights of migrant and right to education, work, security, refugee women and girls. •• Those countries that have not yet political participation, family life and ratified the human rights conven- control over their own bodies. Gender •• Undertaken concrete measures for tions should consider doing so. discrimination is also reinforced by integrating a gender equality perspec- •• Those countries that have made discrimination and vulnerability linked tive and measures against sexual and reservations infringing women’s to other factors such as , gender-related violence into humani- and girls’ rights should repeal these, conflict, migration, climate effects, tarian efforts and the Humanitarian as they contravene the purposes ethnic origin, functional variation and Reform process. and intentions of the conventions. sexual orientation or gender identity. •• Religion, culture, customs or traditions can never legitimise Sweden uses a number of different infringements of women’s and girls’ platforms, roles and tools in this work. human rights. This is done, for example, by regularly •• The declaration and the action publishing country reports on human plan from the UN’s fourth World rights, democracy and the rule of law, Conference on Women in Beijing and by supporting the work carried in 1995 constitute political under- out by civil society for women and girls. takings to strengthen women’s Sweden has also continued to sharpen rights and living conditions. the gender equality focus of its Concluding ceremony at the 63rd Commission on the All countries should put the plan development cooperation, including Status of Women, March 2019. into action, including through via a new global strategy. Sweden has legislation. for example:

20 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 21 2.3.2 Freedom from physical, women have been subjected to physical •• Supported organisations within psychological and sexual violence or sexual violence by a partner and/or civil society and other actors Sweden’s main message: Freedom from violence is a prerequisite sexual violence by someone other than working with gender-based for development. Domestic violence, a partner. WHO also estimates that violence, including through support •• All individuals have a right to bodily integrity and freedom from where the partner is the perpetrator, is 30–60 per cent of all women have been centres, helplines and legal support violence. All forms of violence are the leading cause of injuries to women. subjected to physical and/or sexual for vulnerable women, as well as serious attacks against human 125 countries have legislated against assault at some point in their lives.19 working with perpetrators and rights and must be prevented and domestic violence, but 603 million In 2014, the European Institute for political influence. punished, both in times of peace women live in countries where domes- Gender Equality (EIGE) published and in times of conflict. tic violence is not punishable.18 In all an estimate of what gender-related •• Been the largest donor to UN countries, women and girls run the risk violence costs countries in the EU Women and UN Action Against •• Influencing negative and stereo- typical masculinity norms is of being exposed to gender-related or annually, reaching a figure of EUR Sexual Violence in Conflict. important, as is changing attitudes sexual violence or harassment in public 256bn, 87 per cent of which can be and behaviours among men and spaces, which seriously limits their attributed to men’s violence against •• Carried out extensive work boys who represent and act based freedom of movement. In the same women.20 to highlight the link between on such norms. way, women’s opportunities for destructive masculinity norms, influence and political participation Among other initiatives, Sweden has violence and conflict. •• Violence prevents women and are limited by the harassment directed worked to raise awareness of and girls from enjoying human rights, benefiting from education and towards women who are active in counteract destructive masculinity becoming social actors. public forums, such as politicians, norms, strengthen countries’ ability to human rights defenders and journalists. bring proceedings against perpetrators, •• Sweden works to strengthen All forms of violence against women assist victims of crimes and rehabilitate accountability and to combat and girls affect both the individual and soldiers. Sweden has also contributed to impunity for violence against society at large, and are a barrier to better knowledge on the link between women and girls. gender equality and development. In the uncontrolled spread of weapons •• Gender-based violence involves many conflicts, women and girls are and violence against women, and has an enormous amount of suffering direct targets of sexualised and contributed to several actors having for those affected. It also has gender-related violence. The perpetra- joined the work against gender- considerable negative socio- tors are rarely punished. related violence in crises, carrying economic consequences. out more than 300 measures in total. Gender-related violence occurs in all Sweden has for example: societies and countries, regardless of levels of income or education. The

World Health Organization (WHO) 18 UNWOMEN, “Progress of the World’s Women: In Pursuit of Justice” estimates that more than one in three 19 www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/violence-against-women 20 https://eige.europa.eu/gender-based-violence/estimating-costs-in-european-union

22 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 23 2.3.3 Participation in preventing and featuring a clear gender equality 2.3.4 Political participation and resolving conflicts, and post-conflict perspective and thereby being able Sweden’s main message: influence in all areas of society peacebuilding to serve as a model for others. The world’s women are under- In countries affected by conflict, •• Inclusive peace processes are more represented on many levels – as voters, sustainable and offer more women work for peace every day, •• Supported Syrian women’s involve- as politicians, as judges, as leaders in opportunities to find solutions and achieving good results but often little ment in political processes at local organisations, in industry and in win better support. Women’s recognition. Studies indicate that and international levels, and the academia. More equal representation involvement in peace processes inclusive peace processes are the opposition’s Women’s Advisory benefits both society and individuals. and peacebuilding must increase. most sustainable, but formal and Committee (WAC). Research shows, for example, that more international peace efforts are still not •• The mandate and work of interna- equal decision-making bodies are more informed by gender equality. •• Contributed to other countries tional peace initiatives must take active on gender equality issues, and into consideration the needs and drawing up and implementing their agenda and resource allocation perspectives of men, women, boys Sweden has contributed to increased national action plans for women, reflect more groups and needs within and girls in order to succeed. involvement of women in peace peace and security, including society. 21 processes in Latin America as well as in in Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herze- •• Conflict-related sexual violence is Asia, Africa and the Middle East, and govina, Iraq, , Myanmar, a war crime with serious conse- Sweden has contributed to women’s has established and encouraged the Czech Republic and Sudan. quences for victims, relatives and political participation in several networks of women mediators. Sweden society as a whole. Victims of crime countries, has supported women have a right to redress, and perpe- has also made the women, peace and human rights campaigners, and has trators must be held accountable. security agenda (UN Security Council carried out active advocacy activities in Resolution 1325 and subsequent •• Impunity for conflict-related sexual connection to freedom of speech and resolutions) a main priority for its violence makes reconciliation opinion. Sweden has also championed time on the UN Security Council, processes more difficult and gender equality strategies in develop- championed the work in the EU and undermines peacebuilding. Only ment banks and environmental and adopted a national action plan for a zero-tolerance approach can be climate funds, and has taken a leading accepted. Sweden’s implementation of the role in the International Gender agenda. Sweden has also for example: •• It is important to involve men and Champions initiative in Geneva, boys in the work to prevent conflict with particular responsibility for •• Contributed to increased involve- and to combat gender-related and representation issues. Sweden has also, sexual violence. ment of women in peace efforts in Security Council meeting on UN peacekeeping operations for example: countries such as Colombia, Mali, and women in peacekeeping, April 2019. Syria, Afghanistan, Myanmar and Somalia through political, technical and financial support. Sweden’s work has, among other things, contributed to Colombia’s peace agreement 21 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1467-9477.00031 www.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev.polisci.11.053106.123839?journalCode=polisci

24 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 25 •• Worked to strengthen protection for 2.3.5 Economic rights and •• Contributed to an enhanced gender women journalists, human rights Sweden’s main message: empowerment equality perspective in the work of defenders, environmental activists, When women participate in the labour international organisations within politicians and cultural workers, as •• Women and men shall have the market their economic empowerment the field of trade policy, for example same opportunities to be active well as other actors who defend increases, and a society’s economic in negotiations, statistics and analysis, citizens and to shape the women’s and girls’ enjoyment of growth increases. Society also develops, and contributed to the EU driving conditions for decision-making. human rights. since women, more than men, invest these issues forward in bodies such •• Women and men shall have the their income in the local society and in as the World Trade Organization children’s health and education. It is (WTO) and negotiations on the EU’s •• Supported and cooperated with same opportunities to participate therefore not only right but also socially free trade agreement with third women’s rights organisations and in – and influence – political smart to invest in women’s economic countries. other actors to highlight, support processes and decisions within all areas and at all levels. empowerment. Despite this, many and strengthen women human rights •• Contributed to gender equality •• Women’s rights organisations and women lack economic rights and thus defenders and other actors who the opportunity to inherit, own and use aspects having been made visible in defend all women’s and girls’ women human rights defenders corporate social responsibility (CSR) shall have the opportunity to work land and natural resources, be in paid enjoyment of human rights. employment and get access to informa- efforts. This has been achieved and be protected against threats through, for example, intensified and violence. tion and communication technology, •• Contributed towards greater gender financial services and effective markets. bilateral work with the aim of • It is important to address the equality in political parties in • Sweden has contributed to girls’ strengthening women’s roles and underlying causes of women’s developing countries through education and women’s employment, rights within the labour market in under-representation in political cooperation with Swedish party has been a driving force behind a countries such as Iran, Cambodia, processes and bodies, such as affiliated organisations. gender equality perspective in the Croatia, Nigeria, Poland and Turkey. women’s traditional main responsi- agreements on the Sustainable Deve- This work has often taken place in bility for unpaid housework and lopment Goals and on financing for cooperation with Swedish compa- caring. development, and has championed nies, trade unions and agencies. •• Changes occur where power gender equality work within trade •• Supported the Organisation for exists. Increasing the proportion policy and sustainable enterprise. In Economic Co-operation and of women in the world’s parlia- addition, Sweden has highlighted men’s Development’s (OECD) Middle ments and in leading positions is responsibility for gender equality work East and North Africa programme, central. through initiatives such as the He for which has focused on enterprise with She campaign. Sweden has also, for gender equality awareness and has example: contributed to the establishment of a In connection with International Human Rights Day •• Contributed to central recommenda- Women’s Economic Empowerment 2017, the Swedish Embassy in Mexico hosted a tions from leading economic forums, Forum to improve women’s econo- seminar on the gender perspective of the protection of journalists and human rights defenders. such as the International Monetary mic opportunities in the region. Fund (IMF) and the World Bank,

25 UD:s e-utbildning för feministisk utrikespolitik emphasising the importance of including growth and women’s participation in the labour market. 26 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 27 2.3.6 Sexual and reproductive •• Put pressure on the European Sweden’s main message: health and rights (SRHR) Commission to forcefully stand Sweden’s main message: Sexual and reproductive health and up for SRHR and to include SRHR •• Women’s and girls’ inheritance, rights (SRHR) are human rights, and are in its annual reporting on the •• Sexual and reproductive health ownership and usage rights and and rights are human rights, and essential to women’s and girls’ health implementation of the EU action their access to financial services are necessary for women’s and and living conditions. SRHR involves plan for gender equality and women’s must be strengthened. girls’ enjoyment of other rights, every individual’s obvious right to decide empowerment in the EU’s external and for gender equality and over his/her own body, relations (2016–2020). development. •• Everyone should have the same but also has a direct bearing on right to good quality education. everything from level of education •• Contributed to thousands of people •• It is essential to invest in maternal to social economics. Despite this, having received midwife training health, with the right and access to safe and legal , in •• Women and men should have SRHR remains a controversial subject in each year, leading to millions of order to reduce maternal mortality equal rights to work with good many parts of the world. women having been able to give and to fulfil the right to the best and fair working conditions, to birth with the support of trained possible health. form trade unions, to run compa- Sweden has stepped up its SRHR work personnel. For example, Sweden nies and to have access to markets. as resistance to these issues has grown. has financed midwife training in •• Access to contraception and Sweden works through alliance building, Afghanistan, Myanmar, South comprehensive sexuality education •• Women and men should have the board positions, development coopera- Sudan and Zambia. for young people and adults benefit gender equality and counteract opportunity to combine family life tion and dialogue, and is an initiator of sexual violence, involuntary and gainful employment. Unpaid the global #SheDecides movement. At pregnancies, abortions and sexually housework and caring must be country level, this work has, for example, transmitted diseases. Men and shared equally between women contributed to more midwives and boys need to be involved in order to and men. better access to comprehensive sexuality change attitudes. education, contraception and safe •• Women’s poverty is largely due abortions. Sweden has also: •• Preventing and treating HIV is also to a lack of access to economic part of Sweden’s work for gender equality and human rights. resources. •• Provided UNFPA with extensive core support, which during •• Women’s participation in the labour 2014–2015 has made it possible market and access to markets for to prevent more than 600 000 trading lead to stronger economic Women studying to become midwives at Mulago unplanned pregnancies, 200 000 School of Nursing and Midwifery. growth and higher GNP per capita. unsafe abortions and 900 cases of maternal mortality, and to provide more than 1.6 million people with contraception.

28 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 29 The Swedish Foreign Service has 3.1 Leadership extensive experience of working with gender equality issues. The internal work has focused on issues such as Leadership for the policy is clear at 3. Working methods within staffing policy, guidance and operatio- the highest level, but is also mainstrea- nal support, and the organisation med throughout all other parts of the the Swedish Foreign Service strives to be at the cutting edge in the organisation. Everyone in the Swedish field. The level of ambition has been Foreign Service is responsible for raised further with the feminist foreign systematic work with the feminist policy, contributing to increased foreign policy – within operations systematic guidance, and to more and in the workplace. Several Swedish initiatives within various subsidiary missions abroad confirm that the areas, including in work relating to distinct management from the top of premises and security. the system has been essential.

Some of the working methods and This leadership has included: actions related to the internal objective of the action plan are described below. •• Continuous references to the policy These methods continue to be refined, in speeches, articles, social media to ensure that the organisation is able posts, etc. to implement the policy effectively in varying contexts, and in an ever-changing •• Clearly prioritising these issues world. However, four components have during visits, trips, contacts, etc. remained and have proven to be decisive for the policy’s impact both •• Repeated messages to the Swedish within and beyond the Swedish Foreign Foreign Service’s management and Service. regional meetings.

•• Frequent assignments to the Foreign Service on delivering messages and proposals.

•• Concrete decisions and initiatives.

30 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 31 The political message has been clear Foreign Policy early on, to support the from the start. Since then, feminist work involved and to give this work a foreign policy has been consistantly clear priority. expressed in articles, speeches, Statements of Government Policy on This strong leadership has contributed ”In pursuing our foreign policy, it is Foreign Affairs, etc. (See info box significantly to successful integration below.) The Government also appointed of the perspective and to the policy reassuring to have a solid ideological a Swedish Ambassador for Gender gaining a firm foothold in the Equality and Coordinator of Feminist organisation. foundation for gender equality and the full support of the political leadership. The Statement of Government 1325. […] We will also continue our Policy on Foreign Affairs 201522 efforts to combat impunity for gender-based violence, which is This has provided us with sharper ”A feminist foreign policy is now necessary both in times of peace and being formulated, the purpose of in connection with armed conflicts. tools for pursuing gender equality which is to combat discrimination against women, improve conditions UN Member States should advance issues in various forums.”  for women and contribute to peace efforts for the human rights of and development. Women’s partici- women and girls, their right to Swedish embassy pation in decision-making must be economic empowerment and their strengthened in countries at peace, right to control their own bodies. countries in conflict and countries in It is particularly important this year, which reconstruction is under way. when the international community is This will also strengthen the sustai- to affirm the commitments concer- nability of our societies. ning women’s conditions that were made in Beijing in 1995. These Concrete steps to promote the status conditions must be improved and rights of women are also being – not undermined. A feminist foreign taken through increased cooperation policy will be an integral part of with civil society and with our activities throughout the Swedish partners in the EU and the UN. Foreign Service, and aims to Together with our Nordic EU friends, strengthen women’s rights, improve we have proposed appointing an EU women’s access to resources and representative for gender equality and increase women’s representation.”

22 The Statement of Government Policy on Foreign Affairs at the 2015 foreign policy debate in the Riksdag the implementation of Resolution (Swedish Parliament) on Wednesday 11 February 2015

32 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 33 3.2 Ownership What have been the success factors in The feminist foreign policy was initially development, planning and monitoring the implementation of launched top-down, but has since been of the policy. the feminist foreign policy? developed in consultation with the entire Swedish Foreign Service. Many There is also ongoing consultations on •• Clear leadership departments and missions abroad the policy with various sections of •• Participation and co-creation emphasise how important this working society in accordance with the action •• Priority method has been for the ownership of plan for the feminist foreign policy. •• Support with tools, skills develop- the policy and for the Swedish Foreign This applies to civil society, academia ment, advice, etc. Service as an organisation. and industry, among others, so that these actors can contribute knowledge •• Focal points at departments and All departments within the Swedish and perspectives from their respective embassies Ministry for Foreign Affairs’ – func- areas. These consultations take place at tional, geographic and administrative both national and inter- departments, as well as Sweden’s national levels. missions around the world – were asked early on to share their views on how Sweden’s feminist foreign policy can be implemented within all the Swedish Foreign Service’s policy areas and operational areas.

Almost one hundred responses were received, providing a long list of ideas that formed the basis for the Swedish Foreign Service’s initial action plan for the feminist foreign policy. The process also contributed to more integrated discussions about gender equality between areas of policy and responsi- bility, and to more involvement in gender equality work of various sections and staff. This inclusive Sweden’s missions around the world were asked to share their views on how Sweden’s feminist foreign policy can be implemented. Here Sweden’s former Ambassador to Tunisia, Fredrik Florén, and Tunisian Minister method has continued in the further Neziha Laabidi, responsible for women’s rights and gender equality.

34 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 35 3.3 Guidance The Foreign Service's operational resource allocation in the budget shall group, Friends of Gender Equality, planning process has also been promote gender equality as far as within the OECD. This group meets reviewed, to ensure that the feminist possible. The Government Offices regularly, discussing topics such as One important factor in the implemen- foreign policy is included in the regular supports this work using the JämKAS gender budgeting and the importance tation of the feminist foreign policy is annual operational dialogues. This Budget analytical tool. ‘JämKAS’ is an of gathering and analysing sex- that gender equality issues are integra- means that every department and abbreviation of the Swedish ‘jämställd- disaggregated data. ted into ordinary systems, processes mission abroad must explain how the het, kartläggning och analys’, meaning and responsibility structures. This feminist foreign policy is carried out or ‘gender equality, mapping and analysis’.24 means that a gender equality perspec- has been carried out during the year. In Gender budgeting includes using tive is incorporated into ongoing the review of the operational planning sex-disaggregated data according to operations, and cannot be portrayed or process for 2017, there were 502 the guidelines from Statistics Sweden.25 perceived as a parallel process. operational targets relating to the Sweden has formed a gender equality objective of a more gender equal world. In the work with guidance, planning This is a significant increase compared and monitoring gender main- with previous years. streaming has been strengthened. Info box: JämKAS Budget The action plan for the feminist foreign The Swedish Foreign Service has also JämKAS Budget is an analytical tool that can be used as a means of support policy is included in the Swedish carried out continuous work with when including a gender equality perspective in a budget and for carrying out Foreign Service’s operational plan. This gender mainstreaming of budgeting. gender equality analyses of proposals. The analysis involves a number of means that the objectives in the action As part of this, the Ministry for Foreign different steps/questions. plan are integrated in the Foreign Affairs has clarified the guidelines for Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Service planning processes and that its grant management, ensured that its Is gender In what way What con- Which gender Which they are monitored by all Foreign mandatory grant management training equality is gender clusions can patterns alternative Service managers, within ordinary teaches gender mainstreaming, and relevant to equality be drawn in emerge, and proposals are processes and on an annual basis. ensured that employees have been able the proposal? relevant to connection what signi- there that to take part in the Government Offices’ the proposal? with women’s ficance does can promote In line with the feminist foreign policy, training on this theme. An ongoing and men’s, the proposal gender the rules of procedure of the Ministry review of internal regulations, tem- girls’ and boys’ have for e q u a l i t y m o r e ? for Foreign Affairs clarify that all plates, procedures and checklists is conditions gender managers have a responsibility for being carried out to ensure that they and circum- equality? integrating a gender equality pers- include a gender equality perspective. stances in pective in their areas of responsibility, the proposal? in decision-making and resource Gender budgeting must be carried allocation processes. 23 out within all governmental policy areas, including foreign policy. This 23 The Government Offices’ regulations and rules of procedure for the Ministry for Foreign Affairs (2017) means that prioritisations, choices and 24 The Swedish Ministry of Finance, JämKAS Budget 25 Statistics Sweden (2004), “Könsuppdelad statistik. Ett nödvändigt medel för jämställdhetsanalys” (“Statistics by sex. A necessary tool for gender analysis”)

36 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 37 The action plan for the feminist foreign disaggregated data in reporting and 3.4 Support policy is a comprehensive guidance ongoing operations. As part of this Checklist for gender equality instrument that contains chapters about work, the Swedish Foreign Service shall analysis in reporting: both actors and tools that are relevant request this type of data, if it is missing, The Swedish Foreign Service’s feminist to the ongoing work with the policy. from bilateral and multilateral actors, •• Ensure that the reporting illustrates foreign policy work is supported by a In line with this guidance, the Swedish and from civil society organisations. gender equality aspects and coordination team led by the Foreign Service shall in its analytical The Swedish Foreign Service shall, the theme, for example voter Ambassador for Gender Equality and participation, from a gender equality work take into account how its opera- alongside collecting quantitative data, Coordinator of Feminist Foreign tions can contribute to greater gender also take into account and request perspective as a corner-stone of Policy. The coordination team works in democracy, or gender-related equality and the strengthening of all qualitative information from multilate- areas such as policy development, violence as a threat to security. women’s and girls’ full enjoyment ral, bilateral and other sources – such as operational planning, communication, of human rights. This can be achieved local women’s rights organisations – skills development and representation. through, for example, using gender who often have valuable knowledge •• Clarify the rights, opportunities All employees of the Swedish Foreign equality analyses when projects, action about and access to women and girls in and needs of women, girls, boys Service can contact the coordination plans and strategies are formulated. the context in question. and men in the context. team, but they can also contact the These analyses should have an intersec- focal point(s) for the feminist foreign tional perspective and should take into •• Use sex- and age-disaggregated policy appointed at every department account the fact that women and girls, data. and mission abroad. These focal points men and boys are not homogeneous receive continuous support and groups but have different identities, •• Use an intersectional perspective information from the coordination needs, influence and living conditions. that clarifies the fact that women team. The coordination team for the Analyses therefore need to consider and girls, men and boys have feminist foreign policy is also in regular factors other than gender, such as age, different identities, needs, influences contact with the Division for Gender geographic domicile, socioeconomic and living conditions. Equality at the Swedish Ministry status, gender identity and gender of Employment. This division sup- expression, sexual orientation, ethnic •• Consult people, groups and/or ports and coordinates gender equality origin, functional variation, level of organisations that work with gender work within all governmental policy education, declarations of faith and equality. areas. This cross-ministry cooperation religion. The Swedish Foreign Service helps to ensure that methods and shall also make use of gender equality information are disseminated quickly analyses based on sex- and age- within the Government Offices.

The coordination team draws up the Swedish Foreign Service’s annual action plan for the feminist foreign 26 The latest action plan is available at:https://www.government.se/information-material/2018/03/ swedish-foreign-service-action-plan-for-feminist-foreign-policy-20192022-including-indicative-measures-for-2019/

38 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 39 policy, in cooperation with other ”As civil servants within the Swedish Just over two years after the launch of sections of the Swedish Foreign The Gender Coach Foreign Service, carrying out the the feminist foreign policy, the coordi- Service, and in dialogue with other programme – how it works feminist foreign policy, it is essential nation team initiated a monitoring parts of the Government Offices and to do so in a workplace that is as process. This process involved depart- other agencies, representatives from The programme is aimed at senior ments and missions abroad and resulted gender equal as possible. The civil society, etc. managers within the Swedish in a collection of examples with Gender Coach programme gave me Foreign Service and gives them actions and results within the seven The coordination team has produced a the opportunity to improve their the knowledge and the tools – objectives of the feminist foreign digital theme website on the feminist knowledge of gender equality and and thus also the self-confidence policy from the action plan. This foreign policy, where all employees women’s and girls’ rights, including – needed to take our internal gender collection of examples has come to can access fact sheets, brochures, based on the UN’s security equality work up a gear together provide additional support and inspira- speeches, articles, good examples, resolutions on women, peace and with my management team. The tion in the work with the policy: PowerPoint presentations and other security. The programme includes programme made me see how www.regeringen.se/artik- materials. Certain missions abroad have joint seminars for the whole group important it is to focus on the work lar/2017/10/sveriges-feministiska- also produced information sheets on of participants, but all participants utrikespolitik-exempel-pa-tre processes that we can actually the feminist foreign policy, translated also have their own personal -ars-genomforande/exem- into local languages. coaches to help with the concrete control, and to find concrete ways pel-pa-tre-ars-genomforande/ and direct application of gender to integrate gender equality aspects The theme website links to internal mainstreaming within their into these. The results far exceeded e-training devised by the coordina- respective areas of operation. our expectations. While we have tion team, which has been translated long worked with gender equality into English so that locally employed within staffing, we identified a staff can access the information. In number of other processes – within addition, several embassies and depart- areas such as guidance, security, ments have carried out their own in-depth studies and training, and/or premises and interiour design have developed knowledge bases in the – where we could benefit from form of gender equality libraries. reinforcing the gender equality Certain managers participate in a perspective.” special Gender Coach -programme The Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs’ that focuses on methods and tools for Director-General for leadership in gender equality work. Administrative Affairs Håkan Åkesson, bild till höger.

40 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 41 3.5 Examples of internal work investment was decided on to further strengthen consular support within Three questions for Ann Bernes family conflict, with a particular focus on child and forced marriage. This Sweden’s Ambassador for Gender through. Linked to this, another All sections of the Swedish Foreign Equality and Coordinator of Feminist realisation was to witness the SEK 10mn investment has enabled Service shall establish a gender equality significant information, education and Foreign Policy fantastic creativity and inspiration perspective within their field of that have appeared throughout the cooperation initiatives to be carried operations, in accordance with the out in this area. 1. Which methods Swedish Foreign Service. feminist foreign policy. have proven to be Within the framework of the Swedish the most impor- 3. What was the first challenge In line with this, the gender equality Foreign Service’s operational support, tant in the work in this work? perspective permeates for example the feminist foreign policy has involved involved with the Being able to provide enough consular work, particularly with developing the gender equality perspec- policy? support. The fact that all colleagues regard to issues relating to women, tive on premises. In line with this, the The ‘feminist learn more about gender equality children and young adults. Swedish Swedish Foreign Service has reviewed foreign policy’ does not make the need for support embassies and consulates are contacted the guidance for choosing management concept is an unbeatable method. You any less. Instead, the issues become increasingly often by people in need accommodation, which now establishes only have to say the words to arouse more numerous and increasingly who are Swedish residents and have that such premises should be functional interest and show what Sweden stands advanced, while the need for moni- been subjected to family-related and welcoming for all employees and for. The four Rs are also an important toring and overview grows. It is clear violence while abroad, often in connec- guests. In certain locations, for ex- tool, since they are comprehensive that integration processes of this tion with being prevented from ample, the choice of management while also being comprehensible and magnitude need support functions returning to Sweden. These people risk accommodation may be decisive for the easy to communicate. The inclusive that can respond to the needs. being subjected to forced marriage or possibilities for women not having to follow local clothing customs in and at co-creative process has also proven female genital mutilation, threats, this accommodation. In the same way, to be decisive. All employees were coercion or violence from their fami- inclusive management accommodation able to contribute, so the work has lies, or being forced to stay abroad may allow women and LGBTQ had great momentum behind it. against their will. This group of people in need, mostly women and girls, are persons to participate in events where prioritised from a consular point of other premises in certain locations 2. What has been your biggest view because their situation makes the involve difficulties or risks. The moment of realisation as coordinator? usual precautions, such as assistance Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs That change is possible, even when with self-help, impossible. has also worked with Sweden’s National you do not believe it is. It is simply a Public Art Council to ensure that works matter of finding the arguments or Since 2015, continuous strategic of art in management accommodation other expressions that will get work has been carried out to develop and in offices include works by both the Swedish Foreign Service’s consular women and men. tools and expertise for supporting particularly vulnerable groups. During 2018, a specific two-year

42 Handbook Sweden's feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden's feminist foreign policy 43 include reviewing the gender distribu- differences between women and men Gender equality and premises – how does it work? tion of the security guards sent out and by monitoring and reviewing salary to impose demands on procured developments on an ongoing basis. •• Is there anything in the design of the working environment that could affect security companies to have a gender Work has been initiated to increase the women and men differently? mainstreaming policy. The Swedish number of women honorary consuls •• Is there anything in the design of the premises and in the working environment Foreign Service has also highlighted and trade commissioners, and to review that makes it harder for women to carry out certain duties than for men? the gender equality perspective in which locally employed personnel carry •• In the case of overseas postings, there may be cultural and other norms that multilateral consultation on the out which duties, in order to identify limit women’s freedom of movement. How can premises solutions improve monitoring of the global codes of and break gender stereotypical patterns. the situation for those who find themselves on such postings? conduct for private security companies. •• Both women and men should be able to feel comfortable at the Swedish Foreign Gender distribution of Swedish Service’s premises. Are there any actions that can be taken to ensure this? Within the field of , the staffing ambassadors, 1996–201627 •• Professions and work duties often follow gender roles. Is this evident in Swedish Foreign Service is working connection with premises-related work at the workplace? If so, what can be to strengthen the gender equality 100 done to change this? perspective further. This involves • How many female and male artists are represented in the artworks in the initiating a review of the entire chain, • 80 workplace? from recruitment and leadership programmes to the process for appoin- ting managers. Specific measures are 60 Within the field ofsecurity the through its clear gender equality being carried out to increase the 90 72 60 Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs message. The Swedish Ministry for number of women applicants for 40 has initiated a certification programme Foreign Affairs has ensured, among management positions, including 40 20 for security companies working in other things, that companies have a ambassador roles. The proportion of 28 conflict environments. This certifica- number of gender equality tools when women managers has also increased, 10 0 tion – from the International Code of carrying out their inspection visits, that and is now 50 per cent (counting all 1996 2006 2016 Conduct Association (ICoCA) – emp- they engage in dialogue with women’s management positions). Forty per cent hasises how private security companies rights organisations and that they work of all ambassador positions are held Men Women are expected to act in conflict areas, to counter sexual exploitation, abuse by women (see the diagram). Partici- particularly with regard to human and harassment. pants in the Swedish Ministry rights and international humanitarian for Foreign Affairs’ regular admission law. The Swedish Ministry for Foreign The Swedish Ministry for Foreign programme (the Diplomat Programme) Affairs requires that security com- Affairs has also worked to review, have gone from being 20 per cent panies included in their procurement highlight and enhance personal safety women in 1972 to 47 per cent women processes must be ICoCA-certified. for women employees on the basis of in 2016. The Swedish Foreign Service This certification is in line with a consultation with missions abroad also works to combat irrelevant salary Sweden’s feminist foreign policy around the world. Other actions 27 Statistics from the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs

44 Handbook Sweden's feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 45 Summary of methods for work within the Swedish Foreign Service: Three questions for Per Augustsson, 2. Which tools do you use in your work? 1. Leadership Deputy Head of the Human Resources Internal training now includes a Department, Swedish Ministry for gender equality perspective. For •• Clear, open, consistent, “everywhere, all the time” Foreign Affairs example, the feminist foreign policy •• Integrated into the Statement of Government Policy on Foreign Affairs is included in the ministry’s admission •• Regularly raised in speeches, articles and tweets 1. What has the work to strengthen and administrator programmes, and •• Targeted decisions and initiatives the role of women in decision-making in the training for new managers at positions involved? missions abroad. E-training on the 2. Ownership The feminist foreign policy is an feminist foreign policy is available to agenda for change and part of the all staff. Internal leadership training •• Inclusive co-creation process for the feminist foreign policy Government’s work for gender targeted at both women and men has •• Focal points at every department and mission abroad equality. It is also an attitude, and a helped to increase the number of •• Managers are responsible for a gender equality perspective being integrated into lens through which we look at our women managers. A gender equality all operations, including in decision-making and resource allocation processes human resources work and seek to analysis is carried out on recruitment contribute to securing women’s to the ministry’s training and le- 3. Guidance representation and resources in the adership programme. Today, women •• Clarified distribution of responsibility for gender equality in the rules of procedure Swedish Foreign Service. The Swedish are in the majority in lower manage- •• Integration of the action plan for feminist foreign policy in ordinary monitoring of Ministry for Foreign Affairs has ment positions. This promises objectives and results worked strategically to increase the good future opportunities for number of women applying for achieving a full gender balance in •• Stronger gender mainstreaming, including in the form of gender budgeting management positions. The reasons higher positions. •• Regular gender equality analyses why women have sometimes not applied for management positions 3. Describe a specific challenge in 4. Support have been investigated and analysed. terms of further enhancing the gender •• Theme page on the intranet equality perspective for staffing issues Good role models have been high- •• Collection of examples for the first years with the feminist foreign policy lighted. Internal development within the Swedish Foreign Service. •• Fact sheets and other information materials programmes for potential managers There is an imbalance between have contributed towards having women and men in administrative •• Ambassador for Gender Equality and Coordinator of Feminist Foreign Policy more women managers. positions in the Swedish Foreign •• E-training for all Swedish Foreign Service staff Service. Work is being carried out within recruitment to address this. 5. Examples of methodical work: •• Gender equality aspects in consular issues •• Operational support (e.g. security and premises) with a gender equality perspective •• Innovative staffing policy for greater representation of women

46 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 47 3.6 Voices on feminist foreign ”…The most interesting and There is also great interest from both ”It is important, and historic, policy potentially most innovative Swedish and international media, and that we have a prime minister in general the feminist foreign policy thing about a feminist foreign and a government proud to arouses both curiosity and debate. 30 When Sweden’s feminist foreign policy policy is not specific initiatives, proclaim ourselves feminists. was launched, it was met with both efforts and programmes, but “The phrase ‘feminist foreign Women’s rights are human praise and scepticism. As the policy has that it has potential as a new policy’ got caught in my mind, rights. That includes sexual been implemented, support has based on what Sweden is continued to grow and much of the approach to contribute to a reproductive rights and the 31 former doubt has given way to interest. changed view of what foreign doing.” right to safe and accessible security actually is and who Founder of the Feminist Foreign Policy blog abortions. These rights are at Marissa Conway There is an extensive interest in the it is for.” 29 the core of our foreign policy.” 32 policy from various sections of society, The concept of feminist foreign policy and this interest is also reflected in the Professor Robert Egnell, is discussed and used by both organisa- Canada’s Minister of Foreign the Swedish Defence University. Affairs Chrystia Freeland fields of research. The Ministry for tions and countries. One example is Foreign Affairs has received many Canada which has a stated feminist questions from researchers and stu- government, uses the term ‘feminist dents alike, who have produced articles, foreign policy’ and, in June 2017, studies and theses about the Swedish launched a feminist development policy initiative. 28 following consultations involving more than 15 000 people in 65 different countries.

30 Examples of media interest: 28 A few examples of interest from the world of research: www.nytimes.com/2017/11/17/world/europe/margot-wallstrom-sweden.html http://www.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?pid=diva2%3A1175888&dswid=425 https://policyoptions.irpp.org/magazines/december-2017/the-three-rs-of-feminist-foreign-policy/ https://oxfordre.com/politics/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780190228637.001.0001/acrefore-9780190228637-e-368 www.irishtimes.com/opinion/the-case-for-a-feminist-foreign-policy-1.3183835 www.ethicsandinternationalaffairs.org/2016/swedish-feminist-foreign-policy-in-the-making- https://foreignpolicy.com/2016/04/06/swedens-foreign-minister-has-no-time-for-giggles/ ethics-politics-and-gender/ www.una.org.uk/magazine/2017-2 centreforfeministforeignpolicy.org/journal/2018/5/18/bipfj3ify8rz97ar4tic4nx3scj53j 31 www.passblue.com/2016/11/04/what-exactly-is-a-feminist-foreign-policy-a-new-website- https://www.chathamhouse.org/expert/comment/uk-feminist-foreign-policy-both-right-thing-do-and-smart-strategy explores-the-subject/ 29 Feministisk utrikespolitik i teori och praktik (“Feminist Foreign Policy in Theory and Practice”), Robert Egnell, 32 www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2017/06/address_by_ministerfreelandoncanadasforeignpolicy- journals.lub.lu.se/index.php/st/article/view/16441 priorities.html

48 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 49 Swedish Foreign Service staff testify The policy has also involved an ”The feminist foreign policy The country’s brand has become even to Sweden’s feminist foreign policy organisational and cultural shift within has been significant in how we clearer and stronger: “Sweden is clearly helping to advance positions and the Swedish Foreign Service. The real wearing the yellow jersey”. have worked with the issue as creating a valuable platform for driving force for many employees has dialogue. The issue of gender equality been the inclusive process – pursuing an integrated embassy, dealing ”The feminist foreign policy has has become an issue for every member pioneering work, based on a clear with all areas of foreign policy. also contributed to Sweden of staff, whatever their position or vision. The work has taken shape along The feminist foreign policy has being even more clearly seen subject area and wherever in the world the way and is based on in-depth they are based. internal discussions and reflections. given us a joint underlying as ‘the country of gender Several employees say that they are platform. In practice, it has equality’ – as a role model, as ”The fact that Sweden has gone proud to be able to drive forward and meant that we have linked the first instance to turn to for from gender equality to femi- contribute to such a ground-breaking together our political, deve- policy as the feminist foreign policy. the media’s international nism is definitely something The creative process has strengthened lopment and promotional work comparisons or for civil socie- new, and can successfully be the Swedish Foreign Service and more clearly. Our external com- ty organisations when seeking used exactly so in the work of laid the foundation for continued munication is more distinct, information or making enquiri- innovation. the embassy. It has long been our political dialogue is more es about cooperation. […] well known that Sweden cham- ”This has been an incredible structured and focused on our Sweden has become the ‘go pions gender equality issues, journey. What started as a 3 or message, and our dialogue to’ nation in terms of gender and we still do so – but now in 4 page document in October with our partners in the field of equality for the media and the the company of many other 2014 has evolved into a development now has a broa- like. The demand for contact like-minded nations. However, full-scale foreign policy, in der approach and with the embassy on the having a feminist foreign policy which we have jointly decided a clearer political dimension. theme of gender equality has clearly marks us out. With it, we on the content. The feminist The feminist foreign policy is risen, and is continuing to rise. demonstrate an ability to see foreign policy has become our a source of inspiration for us, We also ensure that we reach bigger contexts, with political trademark.” and gives us courage in our high-level representatives courage and a desire to lead. Swedish embassy dialogue with various actors.” (including the head of state) References to in Swedish embassy The feminist foreign policy has also when working with these politics deter some and inspire contributed to coherence between the Several missions abroad also note that issues.” many, but it is clear that it different areas of foreign policy – fo- the policy has strengthened Sweden’s Swedish embassy attracts broad interest and reign and security policy, development position as a champion of gender encourages important debate.” cooperation, and trade and promotion equality and women’s and girls’ rights. policy – in new and clearer ways. Swedish embassy 50 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 51 4. Methods for norm change and The feminist foreign policy aims to Communication is of great importan- create new approaches and contribute ce for a normative impact. The Swedish mobilisation to change. This requires methodical, Ministry for Foreign Affairs’ Commu- systematic work. It is a matter of nications Department and other keeping our sights set on creating the relevant departments produce informa- right conditions for a world where tion materials on a regular basis to women and girls are heard more, are support the work on the feminist given more space and can realise their foreign policy. Hashtags and other visions. social media messages have proven to be a successful way of reaching out, In line with this, the Swedish Foreign even in countries with relatively little Service works to promote gender internet access. Embassies arrange equality issues and actors for change events including Twitter sessions on the for gender equality and human rights theme of gender equality to communi- at meetings, conferences or side cate with various target groups about events. The Swedish Foreign Service gender equality and women’s rights. continuously reviews the events, Another important platform is the programmes of visits, delegations, www.swemfa.se website, where articles panels and negotiation teams in which and blog posts about the feminist it participates, to ensure that these foreign policy are among the most contribute as far as possible to increa- commonly shared materials. sed visibility of women, girls and LGBTQ persons as actors and to make use of all the available competence.

52 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 53 The hashtag #Morewomenmorepeace Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs – Under the hashtag which aims to strengthen the role of in partnership with Wikimedia and a Tools for Wikigap work #EqualityMakesSense the women in peacebuilding and peace number of local partners – launched an Swedish Foreign Service publishes negotiations, was launched to mark the initiative called #WikiGap to add •• The Wikigap toolbox can be examples of how it works with 15th anniversary of UN Security information about women to Wikipe- found at: http://www.swemfa.se/ gender equality, spreads messages Council Resolution 1325 on women, dia. The initiative began on Internatio- wikigap/ about the feminist foreign policy and peace and security, and has been used nal Women’s Day, on 8 March 2018, shares information about articles and in a number of contexts since then. Set and was carried out in the form of •• Wikigap film on You Tube: events. Here is a selection of messa- occasions are when Swedish missions parallel edit-a-thons in almost 50 https://www.youtube.com/ ges from the campaign: abroad arrange events to raise aware- countries, from Sweden to Indonesia, watch?v=NdPb4Bap3hk ness of the resolution. Other occasions Egypt and Colombia. More than 1 600 •• “Women are an essential ingredi- include targeted initiatives to increase people took part, writing articles in •• Article about WikiGap in The ent in the recipe for lasting peace.” women’s participation in peace work, over 30 languages. During the first Economist: https://www.econo- such as when the Folke Bernadotte three months of the campaign alone, mist.com/news/busi- •• “When women carry out profes- Academy (FBA) worked closely participants wrote almost 4 000 new ness/21738402-together-wikime- sional work, economies grow. alongside the Swedish Embassy in articles that were read over five millions dia-swedish-diplomats-are-hos- It’s that simple. It’s important to Kabul to train around 30 women from times, and more articles are continuing ting-wikigap-edit-thons-54 include the under-used workforce different provinces in Afghanistan in to stream in. To support this initiative, resource.” dialogue and mediation. The hashtag the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and has also been used in a series of articles Wikimedia produced a toolbox contai- •• “Counteracting the systematic and about women peace actors, written and ning a step-by-step guide to organising global subordination of women is disseminated by the Swedish Ministry #WikiGap events, including logos, a good thing in itself. However, for Foreign Affairs. communication materials and sugges- it’s also a smart practical policy.” tions for those wishing to take the One of the targeted initiatives and project further. A special WikiGap •• “Investing in women’s develop- hashtags that has had the greatest film has also been produced. ment reduces poverty. It builds impact is #WikiGap. Wikipedia is the societies, and world’s biggest online and user-genera- economies.” ted encyclopedia. The content that is conveyed influences and colours users’ knowledge about the world. However, there is a great imbalance. Ninety per cent of the content has been created by Former Swedish Minister For Foreign Affairs [2014-2019] Margot Wallström speaking at Wikigap men, and there are four times more in Stockholm. articles about men than about women. To help bring about change, the

54 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 55 Another method for norm changes and performed in several locations in the The Swedish Foreign Service has also mobilisation for gender equal values is country.33 Five questions to ask taken several initiatives to mobilise cultural cooperation actions. One in order to achieve more support for gender equality and all successful example is the play Seven. Sweden has also emphasised the gender equal panels34 women’s and girls’ full enjoyment of The play consists of seven narratives by importance of leadership in its norm human rights. Some of these initiatives women’s rights activists from Afghanis- change work. International Gender 1. What do you do to ensure an even have covered the entire spectrum of tan, Guatemala, Cambodia, Nigeria, Champions was launched in 2015, gender balance at the events you issues (such as the Stockholm Forum Northern Ireland, Pakistan and Russia. with Sweden among those spear- organise? on Gender Equality below), while The play has been performed in around heading the campaign, and the initiati- 2. What is the gender balance of the others have addressed subsidiary issues 30 different counties and in almost as ve brings together decision-makers who panels on which you sit? (such as #midwives4all and SheDecides many languages, and is always staged as have undertaken to challenge structu- 3. Could there be cases where one below). a collaboration involving local partners res and barriers to gender equality. group should be over-represented? and the local Swedish Embassy. In The network was established in 4. Has the organiser contacted In 2015, the Ministry for Foreign every country, Seven is performed as Geneva, but has since grown to become experts of the unrepresented Affairs launched the #midwives4all readings by seven known personalities a much broader network of more than gender? initiative with the aim of highlighting who represent different sections of 200 leaders from 60 countries and a 5. Are you/your organisation able the central role of midwives and society, and who have strong integrity wide range of including to share lists with the names of mobilising support for them using and impact. The readings are usually public administration, the UN, the EU, experts to ensure more even, methods such as digital diplomacy. carried out by politicians, artists, sports academia and civil society. All members more inclusive representation? The campaign has had a wide reach. personalities, journalists, musicians or have signed the IGC Panel Parity In Uganda alone, around 4.5 million individuals with their own experience Pledge, committing to no longer sit on people have been reached via social of vulnerability. Seven has successfully single-sex panels. Each member also media, radio and newspapers, and communicated issues relating to sets two gender equality objectives of through famous Ugandans being women’s rights and challenges to their own, involving anything from named ambassadors or champions for decision-makers, opinion-formers and overall operational targets to their own the initiative. Sweden also supports the the general public. The attention in the leadership. The Nordic group has set training of midwives in the country, media has contributed to create interest the joint objective of promoting a and takes part in an annual prize-giving and has enabled local organisations to work-family life balance through: 1) ceremony that recognises particular support politicians in pursuing wo- early information and advance notice skill within the profession. This men’s rights issues. 2017 saw premières of meetings to enhance predictability cooperation has strengthened Ugandan in Azerbaijan and Bosnia and Herzego- and planning, and 2) avoiding calling women’s and girls’ access to safe vina, and in 2018 Seven – in part- meetings that will take place during The play Seven performed in Pakistan. maternity care, which in turn has led nership with the Swedish Embassy, UN evenings, weekends and public holi- to substantial reductions in maternal Women and the Permanent Represen- days. For more information about mortality and premature births. As well tation of Sweden to the EU – has International Gender Champions, see: become something of a viral phenome- https://www.genderchampions.com 34 www.genderchampions.com, fritt översatt och delvis modifierad non in Pakistan with the play being 33 https://si.se/evenemang/seven/

56 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 57 as raising awareness of the important Stockholm Forum on Gender Law report and a Call to Action for role of midwives via social media, the Equality on 15–17 April 2018 was Women Human Rights Defenders Summary of methods #midwives4all campaign also contribu- arranged by the Swedish Ministry for presented by the Kvinna till Kvinna used in norm-critical and tes towards training. An online midwi- Foreign Affairs and the Swedish Foundation, together with a number mobilising work fery programme is offered at Dalarna Institute. The forum brought together of partners. University in Sweden, and cooperation more than 700 participants from over •• Gender equality-conscious and has been established with, among 100 different countries. The partici- During the week of the conference, gender balanced conferences, others, Somaliland. The ambition is pants included politicians, civil ser- #GenderEqualWorld reached almost meeting and panels that Midwives4all shall have a life of its vants, representatives from internatio- 3 million people worldwide. Partici- •• Gender mainstreamed and focused own, and shall engage, inspire and nal organisations, activists, debaters, pants registered initiatives, under- communication work, for example awaken debate about the central role of academics, industry actors and repre- takings and collaborations that arose via social media midwives in strengthening the health sentatives from civil society. The aim of linked to the conference at http:// •• Mobilising commitment and and rights of women and girls. the conference was to facilitate and genderequalworld.com/initiatives/. resources for gender equality encourage exchanges of methods, new Documentation from all seminars and •• Cultural cooperation that raises She Decides was launched in February initiatives and more in-depth coopera- round-table discussions is also published awareness of and tackles gender 2017 at a conference in Brussels, tion to reinforce international gender on the website. The Swedish Institute is equality challenges organised by Belgium, Sweden, equality work. developing a toolbox that allows •• Networks and platforms to bring Denmark, Luxemburg and the The programme featured around 30 Swedish embassies and other interested together competence and create Netherlands, in reaction to conservative seminars, workshops, round-table parties to ensure that the conference shared visions for a gender equal forces and reduced support for SRHR discussions and other events addressing and its results live on in other contexts. world issues. She Decides marked the start of challenges to global gender equality and Sweden is also presenting the results of a broad new movement that has since concrete actions and tools for greater the conference to partners such as UN mobilised both financial and political gender equality and women’s and girls’ Women. In connection with the forum, support from civil society organisations rights, representation and resources. the firstFeminist Think Space was and UN bodies. It involves giving The key word for the conference was arranged in cooperation with UN women and girls greater access to ‘co-creation’. In this spirit, participants Women where discussions included the advice, evidence-based information, were asked to contribute to the content further development of ideas highligh- non-discriminatory comprehensive and structure of the programme. This ted during the forum. Sweden engages sexuality education, family planning, resulted in a dynamic meeting on highly in dialogue with partners who are modern contraceptives, safe childbirth, topical questions and subjects. A wide interested in arranging events that build HIV tests and safe abortions. She range of themes was covered, including on the conference, and in 2019 the Decides illustrates the importance of al- women’s economic empowerment, Tunis Forum on Gender Equality The Stockholm Forum on Gender Equality was held on 15–17 April 2018 and gathered more than 700 liance building and the energy that SRHR and the role of women in peace will be organised as a follow up on participants from over 100 countries and a exists in quickly mobilising support in work. Several new reports and initiative the conference in Stockholm. multitude of sectors and functions. connection with a particularly burning were launched, including the World issue. Bank’s latest Women, Business and the

58 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 59 5. Working methods within Swedish foreign policy involves Working methods within the different Sweden’s connections with – and policy policy areas are partly the same as the various subsidiary areas towards – countries and international methods for the internal work of the organisations, and ultimately aims to Swedish Foreign Service, since le- of foreign policy promote peace, security and sustainable adership, ownership, control and development. Swedish foreign policy is support are central to the gender divided up into three main policy areas: equality work carried out in both foreign and security policy, developme- organisations and countries. This nt cooperation, and trade and promo- could, for example, involve proposing tion policy. These three areas are and pushing for guiding documents, interrelated tools for the work to pursue steering documentation, legislation, and develop Sweden’s feminist foreign policies, functions and operational policy. The policy is carried out by the assistance that supports gender equality whole of the Swedish Foreign Service, and women’s and girls’ human i.e. the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in rights. Another example is to demand Stockholm and around 100 overseas reporting based on sex- and age- agencies. There is close cooperation disaggregated data. with other ministries within the Government Offices and with a number of central government agencies. The policy is also carried out in dia- logue with a number of Swedish and international actors, in accordance with the action plan for the feminist foreign policy.

60 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 61 Sweden’s work with its This chapter goes into more depth 5.1 Foreign and security policy 5.1.1 Peace and security about how the feminist foreign feminist foreign policy within policy has been carried out within the EU the various policy areas and some ”We see it as an objective in War and crises result in societies being Sweden has been a driving force in of their subsidiary areas. itself to achieve gender equality shattered, families being split up and development coming to a halt. Women drawing up the EU action plan for and human rights. However, gender equality and women’s and girls, men and boys are affected in empowerment in the EU’s external we also see gender equality as different ways, and have different relations 2016–2020. One main area an essential element in order to opportunities to influence peace work. in the action plan is the need for an achieve other objectives, such Studies indicate that the likelihood of institutional cultural change with an peace agreements being reached, and as sustainable peace, security emphasis on leadership, accountabi- lasting, increases if women participate lity and sufficient resources for and development. Solutions in the peace process.35 Despite this, gender equality work, which is fully where half of societies and women are almost entirely absent in in line with Sweden’s feminist populations are excluded are most peace negotiations, which has foreign policy. The action plan can consequences for the way peace is be found here: not sustainable solutions.” shaped. Only 18 per cent of the 1 168 https://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/ CSO briefing at the Swedish EU Representation on Former Minister for Foreign Affairs Margot Wallström issues related to women in conflict with Charlotte peace agreements signed between 1990 sites/devco/files/150921_final_swd_ Pruth, Kvinna till Kvinna, and Eka Gamakharia, and 2014 included any reference to gap.pdf Cultural Humanitarian Fund Sukhumi, Georgia. The Swedish foreign and security women or gender equality.36 The feminist foreign policy is a clear policy is pursued via direct relations One of the cornerstones of Sweden’s profile issue for Sweden’s work in the with other countries and also through feminist foreign policy is that the work EU. By systematically and conti- bodies such as the EU and the UN. for sustainable peace and security must nuously repeating the same message, This cooperation is based on interna- be representative and inclusive. A Sweden has developed a predictabili- tional law, which consists of all interna- central tool for achieving this is UN ty which in turn has led to those who tional agreements and provisions Security Council Resolution 1325 on are responsible for drawing up draft governing how states and other women, peace and security which was versions of texts increasingly often international actors shall cooperate and adopted in 2000, and which – together anticipating Swedish input by how they may and may not act towards with seven subsequent resolutions – including references to women and each other. Preventing risks and threats constitutes the international agenda for gender equality from the outset. is an important part of Sweden’s women, peace and security. The agenda Examples include the free trade security policy, which in turn is part of focuses on women’s increased partici- agreement with Chile in which, for its foreign policy. pation, condemns conflict-related the first time, the EU has proposed an entire chapter on gender equality. 35 See e.g. Paffenholz et al., “Making Women Count: Assessing Women’s Inclusion and Influence on the Quality and Sustainability of Peace Negotiations and Implementation.” 36 UN Women (2015) “Preventing conflict, transforming justice, securing the peace – A Global Study on the Implementation of United Nations Security Council resolution 1325”

62 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 63 sexual violence and confirms the key wanting to establish equivalent media- role of gender equality in building tion networks. A new national action Women’s mediation networks as a method peaceful societies. Ensuring the plan on women, peace and security, the integration of this agenda into all work third since 2006, was adopted in spring The Swedish Women’s Mediation Network (image below) was initiated in 2015 for peace and security is a highly 2016. It is aimed at three ministries and in response to the significant under-representation of women in mediation and prioritised issue for Sweden. Its imple- eleven agencies, and has been drawn up peace processes. The aim of the network is to promote peaceful conflict mentation shall be an integral and in broad consultation with relevant resolution and actively support women’s meaningful participation in peace- natural part of both day-to-day and actors in Sweden and with five conflict building initiatives – before, during and after conflicts. The mediation network long-term strategic work for peace and post-conflict nations: Afghanistan, consists of members with different thematic and geographic fields of expert and security. Colombia, DR Congo, Liberia and knowledge, from both civil society and the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Sweden pursues this issue at country Palestine. For the first time, the action Affairs. All members are women in senior positions with long experience of level and within the UN, NATO, plan includes focus countries and peacebuilding, diplomacy and political processes. So far, they have been involved OSCE, the EU and the Council of targets women’s influence and partici- in countries including Afghanistan, Burundi, Colombia, Georgia, Somalia, Europe, and in cooperation with the pation in peace processes, conflict Ukraine and Zimbabwe. These efforts have taken place at different levels, and Nordic nations. Sweden’s non- prevention, improved protection have included strategic support for women in different local societies as well as permanent membership of the UN against violence and integrating gender contributions to peace negotiations at the highest formal level. The Swedish Security Council 2017–2018 has been a equality perspectives into all peace and mediation network is part of a Nordic mediation network, and works closely central platform offering opportunities security work.37 alongside a number of similar initiatives, not least in Africa and the Mediterra- to raise the profile of these issues and to nean region, and with the UN, the EU, the AU and OSCE. The mediation establish a more integrated way of network is a flexible resource that can engage at short notice in different conflict working in connection with the agenda contexts and respond quickly to needs that arise. There is great demand, and for women, peace and security. the network has been expanded from 9 to 15 members.

Sweden has also reviewed its own broad work with women, peace and security, which includes financing, seconding Swedish experts and training Swedish and international actors. Another aspect of this work involves initiatives of the Swedish Women’s Mediation Network and providing technical support and advice to countries/actors

37 Sweden’s action plan for women, peace and security: https://www.regeringen.se/contentassets/ ead33c0dd10e47b1b614c413e756fac1/sveriges-nationella-handlingsplan-for-genomforande-av-fns-saker- hetsradsresolutioner-om-kvinnor-fred-och-sakerhet-20162020-.pdf

64 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 65 Sweden works for gender equality inclusion of texts about women and and gender mainstreaming in the EU’s A selection of what Sweden girls in the review of the UN’s foreign and security policy in accordance has done within the frame- counter-terrorism strategy. Created with the EU action plan for gender work of the women, peace and supported Swedish, Nordic and equality and women’s empowerment. and security agenda other regional networks of women Sweden has also contributed to the mediators to support peace negotia- EEAS having carried out a study of •• Regularly championed the issue tions. how human rights and gender equality within the UN Security Council of •• Contributed towards women’s which Sweden is a non-permanent are integrated into the EU’s planning participation in peace work in a Deputy UN Secretary-General Amina Mohammed at member during 2017–2018. In 2017, and implementation of its foreign and number of countries including Security Council addressing the issue of preventing references to women, peace and security policy. One outcome of this ba- sexual violence in conflict, April 2018. Afghanistan, Colombia, Mali and security were made for the first time seline study is that the code of conduct Syria. for all missions has been updated with in history in 100 per cent of the •• Been a driving force behind the references to sexual harassment, sexual Security Council’s presidential establishment of a senior advisor in exploitation and gender-based violence. statements on crisis situations. the European External Action Service •• Championed the UN Security (EEAS) in matters relating to gender Council’s inclusion of information In a UN context, work with women, equality and women, peace and from representatives from women’s peace and security is driven forward security. in continuous dialogue between rights organisations in its analyses. •• Promoted issues relating to women, Stockholm, the Permanent Mission •• Contributed to sexual and peace and security on the agenda of Sweden to the UN and other gender-based violence having within regional and multilateral relevant missions abroad. One consis- become a separate listing criterion organisations. tent experience from the dialogue in a UN sanctions regime. •• Contributed towards a more integra- with international organisations is that •• Cooperated with, and provided ted gender equality perspective in impact increases significantly if there support for, the UN’s Special Repre- the EU’s civilian and military crisis is access to new data and arguments sentative of the Secretary-General management efforts, including by for why the gender equality perspective on Sexual Violence in Conflict. working to strengthen gender is needed and which concrete measures Worked to ensure that gender equality expertise within the EU’s should be taken for strengthened equality aspects are taken into institutions and initiatives. integration. account in the implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy •• Through Swedish agencies, carried and the Secretary-General’s Plan of out extensive training for Swedish Action to Prevent Violent Extremism, and international personnel taking and championed gender equality part in peace initiatives. issues in relation to the UN’s new Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and ensured the satisfactory

66 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 67 5.1.2 Human rights, argument that a focus on family issues Gender-related violence is a serious for various member states. A Swedish democracy and the rule of law involves attempts to restrict women’s barrier to women’s and girls’ enjoyment expert has also trained the secretariat and girls’ enjoyment of human rights or of human rights. According to the on gender mainstreaming. Sweden has confirms stereotypical gender roles. Rome Statute of the International campaigned successfully to have a A number of different methods and Sweden also rejects references to Criminal Court, sexual violence can be Swedish expert elected to the Council tools are used in pursuing the feminist religion, culture, customs or traditions part of genocide, crimes against of Europe’s GRETA expert group, foreign policy in Sweden’s work for being used in international agreements humanity and war crimes. Sweden which monitors compliance with the human rights, democracy and the rule to legitimise restrictions on women’s cooperates directly with countries, Council’s Convention on Action of law. and girls’ enjoyment of human rights. national legal institutions and other against Trafficking in Human Beings. Sweden works to encourage countries bilateral actors, as well as the ICC and Gender equality and all women’s and that have lodged reservations about the its chief prosecutors, to combat the The 250th anniversary of the Swedish girls’ full enjoyment of human rights Women’s Convention and other occurrence of – and impunity for – Freedom of the Press Act was observed are continuously raised in the dialogue conventions to retract those reserva- gender-related and sexual violence in with an international seminar with and with official representatives of states, tions that contravene the purposes and conflict. This work often aims to for women in journalism and associated the EU, multilateral and regional intentions of the conventions. increase national capacity to industries, with a focus on the harass- organisations and other relevant actors. investigate and bring proceedings ment they encounter. Sweden continues The intensification of this dialogue has In 2016, Sweden arranged an internatio- against violence, and to highlight the to support the safety of women journa- been made possible through the nal meeting to counter discriminatory need to counteract stigma, strengthen lists through the Fojo Media Institute, introduction of an Ambassador for legislation, hosted by former Minister of protection for victims of crime and and provides project support for a pilot Human Rights, Democracy and the Foreign Affairs Margot Wallström. As a witnesses, and recognise the importan- study on establishing a centre to Rule of Law, an Ambassador for result of the meeting, Sweden has also ce of civil society organisations’ role in support journalists who are subjected Gender Equality and an Ambassador contributed support to the cooperation this work. Sweden has also supported to online hate, with a particular focus for Combating Trafficking in Persons. between the World Bank, UN Women, GQUAL, an international campaign on women journalists. the OECD and the CEDAW Commit- that advocates establishing internatio- Sweden plays an active role in negotia- tee (the Women’s Convention), which nal and national guidelines to increase tions on human rights in forums such develops indicators to measure a and promote the proportion of women as the UN’s General Assembly, the country’s compliance with SDG 5.1: in leadership positions in international UN’s Human Rights Council and the “End all forms of discrimination tribunals and judicial bodies. UN’s Commission on the Status of against all women and girls everywhe- Women. Sweden has contributed to an re.” Among other things, the meeting Sweden has also championed gender increased focus on women’s and girls’ emphasised the importance of support equality issues and shared Swedish rights and on the importance of sex- for representatives from civil society. experiences in the ’s and age-disaggregated data in both Gender Equality Commission. In thematic and country-specific resolu- By supporting women human rights addition, Sweden has made Concluding ceremony at the 63rd Commission on financial Status of Women, March 2019. tions. Sweden promotes the individual defenders, Sweden has intensified its contributions to the implementation as the bearer of rights and the universa- democracy efforts and the fight against of the Council of Europe’s action plans lity of human rights, and rejects the the shrinking democratic space.

68 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 69 The Swedish Three questions for Annika Ben David Sex Purchase Act

Sweden’s Ambassador for Human 2.What reactions do you encounter 3. What do you think are the three The Swedish prohibition on paying Rights and the Rule of Law when the Swedish feminist foreign most important areas within human for sexual services came into force on 1 January 1999. This made policy comes up for discussion? rights where the Swedish feminist Sweden the first country in the world 1. In which ways is It is clear that people are familiar foreign policy has a clear role to play to criminalise purchasing – but not the feminist with the policy, and that they in the future? selling – sex. International interest in foreign policy a understand what it involves. The way the Swedish model banning paying useful tool for I see it, Sweden is associated with a •• The agenda for peace and security, for sex has been, and remains, high. you in your role strong human rights policy, both by for which we now have empirical Several other countries have also as Sweden’s those who agree with us and by those data showing how important it is adopted the Swedish model, such as Ambassador for who do not, and that the feminist to include women and their Canada, Norway, Iceland, Northern Human Rights? foreign policy is seen as a natural part perspective. Ireland, . and Israel 38 The feminist of this policy. We have long champi- Sweden emphasises the importance foreign policy is one of the founda- oned women’s and girls’ enjoyment •• The global SRHR agenda, where of not creating legal markets for tions of my work – a starting point, of human rights, and are seen as we are seeing a clear reversal – human trafficking. Discussions are analysis, method and perspective that pioneers in this field. In this context, even in stable democracies in the taking place, including within the permeates working for democracy, I believe that the feminist foreign global West – in areas such UN, on whether or not prostitution human rights and the rule of law in policy is seen as another step in as abortion, access to contra- should be regarded as a profession. foreign policy. The feminist foreign showing that the whole of society, ceptives and comprehensive The term ‘sex worker’ is often used policy is based on the principle of peace and security benefit from sexuality education. in these discussions. Sweden’s policy everyone’s equal value and rights, women’s and girls’ human rights on this matter is clear. Prostitution everywhere and all the time. Ultima- being respected. •• Given the shrinking democratic can never be regarded as a professi- tely, it is about non-discrimination, space globally, it is incredibly on; prostitution is always exploita- which is at the core of human rights. important to support and protect tion. Sweden encourages more countries to consider legislation It’s a good, useful way to communica- defenders of human rights, journa- targeted at the person who pays for te our work to protect and promote lists, bloggers, academics and sex and offers support to the person human rights. artists, who are often doubly being exploited. The criminal focus exposed if they are women, both and guilt are thereby shifted from online and offline. the exploited to the exploiter. Knowledge about the individual’s

38 https://www.regeringen.se/artiklar/2016/10/ own rights, including about sexual den-svenska-sexkopslagen-har-varit-framgangsrik/ and reproductive health and rights, 39 Sweden’s view was put forward by Minister for 39 Children, the Elderly and Gender Equality Åsa is essential. Regnér in a speech about human trafficking during an open debate at the UN Security Council in New York on 15 March 2017.

70 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 71 5.1.3 Disarmament and weapons and instances of violence that Alliance-building and dialogue have non-proliferation can lead to conflict in a society. Sweden been significant for the impact of the The export of military has contributed to the development gender equality perspective in these equipment of sex-disaggregated data in relation to issues, both multilaterally and bilateral- Within the field of disarmament and the consequences of armed violence. ly. Countries and organisations that By championing a feminist foreign non-proliferation, the work has focused Swedish support has contributed to were not previously active have been policy, the Swedish Government on both gender mainstreaming and research and policy documents within engaged, and there are concrete plans works systematically with achieving specific initiatives targeted at women the field, for example through studies for monitoring in the committee work results that strengthen women’s and and girls. carried out by the Small Arms Survey. of the UN General Assembly. Another girls’ rights, representation and This in turn has led to targeted initiati- example is the work within the Interna- resources. Sweden attaches great Women are under-represented in ves in connection with international tional Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), importance to preventing and contexts where disarmament and negotiations and processes on small in which Sweden has started the Group counteracting gender-based and non-proliferation are discussed – at arms and light weapons, and with of Friends of Women in Nuclear with sexual violence in conflict and in diplomatic and technical levels, and international weapons inspections. the aim of contributing to gender equal society generally. One important within academia and civil society representation and more gender equal aspect of this work is the strict organisations. Sweden has worked to Sweden has also promoted a gender policy within the IAEA. control exercised over the export of increase women’s representation and equality perspective in processes on military equipment from Sweden. involvement in disarmament and international weapons inspections and By providing actors with political and This takes place, for example, through non-proliferation. Sweden has also disarmament, such as the UN Arms financial support, Sweden has helped to Sweden applying article 7.4 of the worked to develop and disseminate Trade Treaty (ATT). The ATT is an raise awareness of the link between the ATT. The article was included in the knowledge about how access to and important tool in the work to combat proliferation of weapons and gender-ba- treaty with the strong support of proliferation of weapons affects illicit and irresponsible trading in sed violence, and to ensuring gender countries including Sweden, and women, men, girls and boys differently. conventional weapons. Sweden is mainstreaming within operations. UN requires state parties to take into This involves highlighting the different working for the application of the Arms bodies, agencies and civil society account the risk of exported materi- effects of using and testing nuclear Trade Treaty (article 7.4) and that state organisations are some of the actors als being used for – or facilitating – weapons. Sweden pushes a gender parties should take into account the risk who have received Swedish support. serious gender-based violence or equality perspective in processes of exported materials being used for – During 2018, Sweden supports, for serious violence against women or relating to international weapons or facilitating – gender-based violence example, the United Nations Institute children. inspections and the disarmament and or violence against women or children. of Disarmament (UNIDIR) in working non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. Ahead of the ongoing review of the to integrate a gender equality perspective Sweden has also worked to ensure For example, in the UN Programme of NPT, Sweden contributed to a discus- into multilateral disarmament plat- that the Inspectorate of Strategic Action on the illicit trade in small arms sion on a report highlighting the forms. Cooperation between the Nordic Products has sufficient competence and light weapons, and in the Non- disproportionate biological and social nations and within the EU has also to be able to include gender equality proliferation Treaty (NPT). impact on girls and women of detona- been important for this purpose. aspects and risks of gender-based ting and testing nuclear weapons. The violence in assessments relating to There is often a link between con- study also problematised the unequal centrations of small arms and light representation in disarmament contexts.

72 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 73 5.2 International development involve initiatives that promote positive development programme. The Folke human rights and international cooperation forms of masculinity. Bernadotte Academy (FBA), which humanitarian rights, and to apply works with international peace initiati- article 7.4 of the ATT. As part of this "Support to women's and girls' Swedish development cooperation is ves and development cooperation, is work, a targeted skills development rights and empowerment the area of foreign policy that has also involved in the JiM programme. initiative for the inspectorate was historically worked the longest with The FBA has a gender equality per- strengthens communities and arranged in 2016. a clear gender equality perspective. spective throughout all its operations, contributes to sustainable The feminist foreign policy has meant and works in particular with women, In addition, the Government development and poverty a further raise of ambition. Gender peace and security in various conflict submitted a bill to the Riksdag in reduction." equality is a thematic focus of the and post-conflict nations as part of October 2017, including proposals Policy Framework for Swedish Deve- Sweden’s international development on further sharpening export Minister for International Development lopment Cooperation and Humani- cooperation. controls on military equipment (Bill Cooperation Per Olsson Fridh tarian Assistance decided on by the 2017/17:23). The legislative change Sweden’s development cooperation Government in 2016.40 The framework Aid efforts are carried out within all came into force on 15 April 2018. aims to create preconditions for better establishes that all Swedish development objective areas for the Swedish feminist The new regulations imply that the living conditions for people living in cooperation shall be gender main- foreign policy. This includes support to democratic status of the receiving poverty and under oppression. Swedish streamed. Guidance has also been strengthen countries’ legislation for country shall be a central condition is often channelled via strengthened through the addition of women’s and girls’ rights, to promote for assessing whether or not to grant multilateral organisations and the EU. new wording on gender equality in the women’s economic empowerment, to permission. This assessment shall Humanitarian aid also involves ordinance to the Swedish International combat men’s violence against women, also take into account whether the Sweden’s efforts to save lives, alleviate Development Cooperation Agency to strengthen women’s roles in peace export could counteract equitable suffering and protect the dignity of (Sida). Sida is also part of the Swedish processes and to increase women’s and sustainable development in people affected by natural disaster, Government’s Gender Mainstreaming political participation and access to the receiving country. An overall armed conflict or other catastrophic in Government Agencies (JiM) SRHR. assessment will be carried out. conditions. Discussions at Sida with international and The focus on gender equality in Swedish CSO’s on SRHR development cooperation is based on and religion. the insight that strengthened gender equality contributes to reduced poverty and more sustainable development. It is also based on the insight that poverty is different for women and men, girls and boys. An important issue for Sweden is to involve boys and men in the work for gender equal societies. This could 40 Government Communication 2016/17:60

74 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 75 Concrete tools in Sida’s work •• Experience shows that gender Three questions for Sida on the with gender equality: mainstreaming must be combined new gender equality strategy 41 ongoing work, and provides opportu- with targeted gender equality nities for innovative and catalytic • The Swedish International Develop- • initiatives to achieve the best results. Lisa Mossberg and Eva Johansson, Sida work within the field. Since the global ment Cooperation Agency (Sida) has In line with this, the Swedish Govern- gender equality strategy includes the a gender mainstreaming plan. For ment adopted a global strategy 1. Can you describe the process of entire gender equality agenda, this the period 2016–2018, one objective for gender equality and women’s developing the documentation for the also facilitates support for new types of this plan was to increase the and girls’ rights for the 2018–2022 Government? of actors who work for gender proportion of operations with gender period in April 2018. The strategy’s To draw up the documentation for the equality and for women’s and girls’ equality as a main focus. Particular objective areas involve strengthened strategy, Sida appointed an internal rights. efforts have been carried out within global and regional normative work working group in autumn 2017 to the area of productive sectors, such and counteracting discrimination and support and win backing for the work 3. What do you see as the main as market development, agriculture, gender stereotypical norms and all at the agency, and to identify synergies challenges, both internally at Sida energy, the environment and climate. forms of gender-based violence and and externally, with implementing The plan also establishes that with other operations. An extensive harmful customs. The strategy also the new strategy? routines and working methods to consultation process was carried out has a particular focus on strengthe- strengthen gender mainstreaming in several stages, including with other This is an ambitious strategy that is ning working conditions for women’s should continuously be reviewed, missions abroad, other Swedish dependent on synergies with other rights organisations, feminist particularly with a focus on monito- agencies, civil society organisations, global thematic areas. The challenges movements and women human ring and results. researchers and consultants working include ensuring a continued prioriti- rights defenders. Another area in the within the field of gender equality. sation of gender equality in the design •• Sida has also developed a toolbox strategy is to work for increased Written contributions for the analysis and implementation of other strate- focusing on gender equality in access to and use of sex- and and the focus of the work were gies, both thematically and geographi- development aid, the Sida Gender age-disaggregated data and gender obtained from almost 30 international cally. Supporting the coordination and Toolbox. The toolbox provides equality research. The strategy will partners, from within the UN, civil development of a global normative knowledge, tools and inspiration on be financed with SEK 1bn over a society and research institutes. agenda also requires close cooperation how the gender equality perspective five-year period. can be strengthened in Swedish and coordination with thematic policy development cooperation. The Sida 2. How does the new strategy compare competence and multilateral focal Gender Toolbox consists of tools for with how Sida worked previously? points within Sida. Several innovative addressing the ‘How?’ question (e.g. The global strategy should be seen as a and catalytic initiatives, including gender equality analyses and gender raising of ambitions for gender support for women’s rights organisa- mainstreaming) and thematic equality and for women’s and girls’ tions and the safety of women human overviews (the ‘What?’ question), and rights in development cooperation. rights defenders, are also resource- is available in English at: https://www. intensive from staffing and case sida.se/English/partners/resour- It both complements and reinforces management perspectives. ces-for-all-partners/methodologi- cal-materials/gender-tool-box/

41 Interview with Sida’s Lisa Mossberg and 76 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Eva Johansson, April 2018 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 77 Swedish development cooperation is analysis. A gender equality Sweden champions gender equality channelled via several different actors. analysis identifies differences between Gender equality work in multilateral organisations by Extensive core support to various women, men, girls and boys with analyses within development being an active donor and board multilateral organisations are prepared regard to the groups’ access to resour- cooperation member. For example, Sweden is the at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, as ces, opportunities and power, and to biggest donor to UN Women and is well as direct grants to several organisa- the barriers that exist along the way. •• Ensure that women, men, girls and also a major donor to UNFPA. Sweden tions and projects. Through agencies This does not necessary involve a group boys are consulted during the has also played a leading role in drawing such as Sida, the FBA and the Swedish being worse off or being more seriously planning phase to identify needs up gender equality strategies for the Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB), aid affected, but that the groups of women and bottlenecks. development banks, including the is channelled to several actors at project and men, or boys and girls, are often •• Carry out on-site consultations that World Bank, the African Development and programme levels. Comprehensive affected differently. In order to high- are accessible to both women and Bank, the European Bank for Re- support is also provided to Swedish light this, a gender equality analysis men, and at times of the day when construction and Development, and civil society organisations to pursue must be carried out. they are available. Carry out the European Investment Bank. a poverty-focused and gender equal gender-separate consultations if agenda. necessary. •• Be clear. Avoid wording such as With the feminist foreign policy, gender “Gender equality shall characterise budgeting (as mentioned in chapter 3) all phases of the project”. Instead, has been strengthened within the describe what, how and when. Ministry for Foreign Affairs’ grant •• Analyse women’s and men’s access management. Demands are imposed to to resources: economic, productive, ensure the gender mainstreaming of political and time resources. Swedish consultations on gender with the World grant management in every individual •• Use both quantitative and qualita- Bank, September 2019. case. This means, for example, that gen- tive indicators to follow up on the der equality and power analyses must initiative. be included as part of the preparation •• Ensure sex- and age-disaggregated and monitoring of the grant decision. data. New templates have also been drawn up for preparing core support for multilateral organisations in which the gender equality perspective must be integrated.

To be able to meet the different needs of women and men, every initiative must be preceded by a gender equality

78 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 79 Accountability and impact •• Increase their expertise and Sweden’s work to counteract abuse and harassment within the strengthen their prevention work sexual exploitation, abuse and aid sector. Sweden shall work to achieve concrete against discriminatory rules, norms harrassment within the aid results for gender equality and for and stereotypes in relation to sector •• Minimise negative effects on women’s and girls’ full enjoyment of gender, gender identity, gender populations in need, particularly in human rights by cooperating with expression and sexual orientation, Sweden takes a zero-tolerance humanitarian contexts, where multilateral actors and using di- approach towards sexual harassment sexual exploitation, abuse and rectorships, co-ownerships, mem- •• Have an active organisational and and assaults. As part of this, Sweden harassment are brought to light and berships, partnerships and other tools staffing policy that creates non-dis- has included language on sexual the withdrawal of support is in order to pursue both normative and criminatory organisational structu- exploitation, abuse and harassment in enforced. operational work. As part of this, res and promotes gender equality, the general conditions for core Sweden shall cooperate actively with including more women in manage- support. This decision means that •• Ensure that sexual exploitation, the accountability mechanisms in the ment positions, multilateral organisations who want to abuse and harassment are included multilateral bodies and shall work to continue to receive support from on the agenda at a high level. ensure that the bodies: •• Set aside resources for working Sweden must follow ethical rules and Sweden has raised the issue at with gender equality and women’s, apply protection against sexual meetings of EU ministers for •• Have guiding documents based on girls’ and LGBTQ persons’ human exploitation, abuse and harassment. development aid and with the international law and international rights, including human resources Ongoing dialogue is also taking place European Commissioner for agreements, consistently follow and expertise for gender equality with multilateral partner organisations Humanitarian Aid, written to the these regulations, and apply an work. and funds on how they can meet heads of the major UN bodies, intersectional perspective in gender Sweden’s demands for a zero-toleran- engaged in dialogue with the UN equality analyses and other work, ce approach in relation to the long- Secretary-General and raised the term Swedish core support. In issue with the multilateral develop- •• Develop sex- and age-disaggregated addition, a review is being carried out ment banks. data, of Sida’s agreement templates for civil society organisations, and Sweden •• Ensure that issues relating to sexual •• Increase their expertise on gender continues to work on these issues in harassment and assaults are equality and women’s and girls’ various multilateral forums. included when drawing up the EU’s rights, aid instruments. Among other things, Sweden has worked to: •• Hold an active dialogue with the circle of donors within the •• Promote a zero-tolerance approach framework of safeguarding. to all forms of sexual exploitation,

80 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 81 The feminist foreign policy has also perspective in international humanita- involved a stronger gender equality rian law (IHL), including at the huma- Migration and gender equality to meet the urgent needs of refugees perspective in Sweden’s work with nitarian world summit in Istanbul in foreign policy: and migrants – not least women and humanitarian aid. The Policy in 2016 and by publishing the report girls – and to find solutions for them, Framework for Swedish Development IHL and Gender – Swedish Sweden works to ensure that refugee including evacuation and returning. Cooperation and Humanitarian experiences in association with the and migrant women and girls can Sweden is also one of the biggest grant Assistance states that Sweden’s Swedish Red Cross. enjoy human rights, including through donors to the UN’s refugee organisa- humanitarian aid will contribute to engagement in the processes to draw tion, the UNHCR. The UNHCR strengthening women’s and girls’ right Through the global initiative Call to up two global frameworks: one for works to save lives and alleviate to protection in humanitarian crises, Action on Protection from Gender- refugees and one on migration. suffering in humanitarian situations and to strengthen their ability to play an Based Violence in Emergencies, Within the context of the negotiations all over the world, and does so with a active role in response to humanitarian launched by the UK and Sweden in on the global migration framework, gender equality perspective to ensure crises. Gender equality analyses can be 2013, gender-based violence in humani- Sweden has worked to increase the that women and men get equal access decisive in order to be able to save lives tarian catastrophes and crises is number of support offices along the to protection and aid. and alleviate suffering, as the challenges highlighted. The aim is to drive the main migration routes and in major and needs may be different for women question forward and to persuade transit countries. These support and men. For example, dramatic humanitarian actors (state actors, offices can provide humanitarian increases in teenage pregnancy, child bilateral donors, multilateral organisa- support and advice, and carry out marriage and gender-based violence tions and civil society) to take more specific initiatives for women and have been demonstrated in disaster responsibility for systematically girls. Sweden has also prioritised the situations. Sweden has undertaken including the issue of gender-based issue of safe workforce migration with concrete measures to integrate a gender violence in their work. Sweden chaired decent conditions, particularly for equality perspective and measures the initiative in 2016–2017 and contri- women. Within the process to draw against sexual and genderbased buted to a growth in membership and up a global refugee framework, violence into humanitarian efforts and to more than 360 undertakings being Sweden has emphasised the import- the humanitarian reform process. For pledged in relation to the initiative’s ance of refugee girls and boys needing example, Sweden has committed to action plan. The network now includes access to good quality education and work for those affected by crises to more than 70 actors from around the that the framework must feature a have greater influence over humanitari- world. Tools have been devised to gender equality perspective. Sweden an work and only intends to support facilitate the work involved, including also provides support for the UN’s humanitarian actors who base their a website (https://www.calltoactiongbv. International Organisation for work on a gender equality analysis com) where the abovementioned action Migration (IOM), to ensure that their and sex- and age-disaggregated data. plans for the period 2016–2020 can vital work along the central Mediterra- Sweden has also consistently emphasised be found. nean route can continue. This is of the the importance of a gender equality outmost importance in order to be able

82 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 83 Climate and gender equality Bank’s Climate Investment Funds 5.3 Trade and promotion policy effect and a clear gender equality (CIF) and the Green Climate Fund perspective. The feminist foreign policy Climate effects in the form of drought, (GCF), Sweden has worked successfully ”Investing in equality is smart. has further raised the ambitions in flooding and extreme weather lead to with the development of ambitious new operating and promoting a progressive poorer health and growing food and Excluding women from gender equality policies and concrete and fair trade policy that increases water supply problems. These challeng- economic opportunities is action plans for their implementation. women’s economic empowerment. es hit the world’s 1.3bn poor people the Sweden has also worked actively for probably the biggest waste in hardest, and because women have strategic recruitments to strengthen the world. As well as being The potential is enormous. A 2015 UN limited access to political, economic gender equality work in these funds’ study shows that if the world’s labour and material resources, this has a secretariats. Sweden drives forward smart and right, gender equality markets were completely equal, the negative effect on their vulnerability gender equality work in these funds by, is also good for the economy. global economy would grow by USD to – and ability to adapt to – climate for example, imposing requirements When women participate in the 28 trillion by 2025. The gross world impact. that: labour market as employees or product would rise by 26 per cent, Women are often responsible for the •• conditions placed when accrediting entrepreneurs, their power roughly equivalent to the combined majority of agricultural work and for the funds’ implementation organisa- GNPs of China and the USA. In India, their families’ food security. Women tions include gender equality; over their own lives increases GNP would rise by a full 60 per cent, as also often play a key role in the use and •• the result frameworks include and the whole of society is the country is further down the list of administration of forest resources and indicators relevant to gender equality strengthened. Sweden will women’s labour market involvement. 42 water. Women are thereby important In addition, the world’s women cur- that allow the funds’ results to be pursue a feminist trade policy. agents for change who can contribute monitored within the field of gender rently carry out 75 per cent of unpaid relevant perspectives and solutions for equality; and This means that a gender work. This work is estimated to be dealing with . There are analysis must be applied to all worth USD 10 trillion each year, •• women are involved in the design many examples of investments in corresponding to 13 per cent of the renewable energy contributing to and implementation of projects. trade agreements. ” global economy. 43 greater employment opportunities for women and promoting female Minister for Foreign Trade with responsibility for Nordic Affairs Anna Hallberg Much remains to be done before these enterprise. figures can become a reality. Globally, Sweden has strengthened the work to Swedish trade and promotion policy 50 per cent of women of working age integrate the environmental and aims to promote Swedish economic are in gainful employment compared to climate perspective with the gender interests and Sweden’s image abroad, 77 per cent of men. Women aged 25–64 equality perspective in development which in turn facilitates exports and have increased their participation in the cooperation, both bilaterally and imports and enables a mutual exchange workforce, while participation among within the EU, and in the major of trade with other countries. Swedish younger women has fallen. The reason multilateral environmental and climate trade policy has a strong redistributive for this is probably growing education Minister for the Environment and Climate, and funds. In funds such as the Global Deputy Prime Minister Isabella Lövin signes the Environment Fund (GEF), the World Government proposal for a new Climate Act 42 McKinsey Global Institute (2015), “The power of parity: How advancing women’s equality can add $12 trillion to global growth 43 Ibid

84 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 85 opportunities. Women work part-time gender stereotyped social norms and more often, and receive considerably discriminatory legislation. Three questions for the Swedish decisive for pursuing gender equality lower hourly pay than men. The reasons Ministry for Foreign Affairs’ focal point issues within this area. Being able to for feminist foreign policy within the are that women work in low-paid By working with responsible business field of trade: point to analyses of the positive industries and that men receive higher in guarantees the Swedish Export economic effects of gender mainstrea- pay than women for equivalent work. Credits Guarantee Board (EKN) 1. Do you and your colleagues think ming has also been important. Women work more often in the informal contributes to the work on the Global that the work with a feminist foreign sector with domestic services and Goals of the 2030 Agenda and to the policy has been beneficial within 3. What is in the pipeline right now, market trading, and have poorer access feminist foreign policy. In certain trade? in terms of new agreements, strate- to information technology, which affects industries and on risky markets, where gies, partners, etc.? access to financial services and markets. the need is often the greatest, EKN’s The Government’s trade policy work Girls and women in all parts of the guarantees can be decisive for business within the framework of the feminist Sweden is currently pushing for world account for a large proportion of success. These guarantees contribute to foreign policy has contributed towards gender equality to be integrated into unpaid work in the home and in society. development both in Sweden and in more organisations providing statis- a number of free trade agreements. Women often stop paid work earlier to buying countries. In developing tics and analysis in this field, which is One way of doing this is by strength- care for older relatives or to look after countries with limited financial just as complicated as it is decisive. ening the use of – and the process children and grandchildren. Their opportunities, EKN’s guarantees Getting an accurate picture means in connection with – existing tools lifetime pay is lower, and thus so too is contribute to financial resources that that we can argue much more convin- such as the EU’s sustainability impact their pension. In turn, they can end up strengthen the countries opportunities cingly and formulate more effective assessments. It is also important in a position of dependence in relation for development. By contributing to proposals for actions. The fact that that relevant organisations produce to their spouses and children. infrastructure and public transport, for Sweden has pushed these issues in sex-disaggregated data and analyses example, EKN makes a contribution cooperation with other like-minded within trade policy to a greater extent. Women face many challenges in the towards women’s opportunities. countries has also contributed to field of trade. Women entrepreneurs many countries supporting a declara- often work within small-scale operations Pursuing a feminist foreign policy tion on gender equality and trade at which lack access to financial capital, includes a feminist trade policy. For the eleventh World Trade Organiza- technical training and the marketing example, Sweden has contributed to a tion (WTO) Ministerial Conference capabilities required to benefit from gender perspective in the agreements in December 2017 new trading opportunities, and survive on the Global Goals and on financing in competition with other actors. for development, and to central recom- 2. Which tools and arguments have Women also often have limited access mendations from leading economic you benefited from the most in your to other resources, including energy, forums such as the International work to implement the feminist water, technology, tools, transport, Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World foreign policy? education and market data, to name just Bank emphasising the importance a few. Other barriers to women’s of including growth and women’s Analyses and statistics showing economic empowerment include participation in the labour market. unequal conditions within internatio- nal trade and trade policy have been

86 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 87 United n ations ConferenC e on t rade and d evelopment Within the EU, Sweden has been a To further increase knowledge within the #SheTrades45 initiative which aims driving force for better integrating Swedish support to the this field, Sweden’s National Board of to connect a million women entrepre- gender equality into trade policy and UN for developing gender Trade has carried out a study of trade, neurs to the market by 2020. The encouraging others to do likewise. equality tools within trade social sustainability and gender equali- initiative identifies seven global actions Sweden wants to see a stronger gender ty, and has held a seminar on gender in which governments, the private equality perspective in the work of Sweden’s cooperation with equality and trade under the Global sector and civil society can make the WTO and in the EU’s free trade UNCTAD has resulted in the Review of Aid for Trade. concrete pledges to remedy obstacles agreements with third countries and Swedish-financed Trade and Gender hampering women-owned businesses. welcomes the fact that the EU Trade Toolbox. The toolbox aims to help Sweden also supports the International Commissioner has encouraged the governments, officials and other Trade Centre (ITC), a UN/WTO WTO to integrate gender equality to actors to predict and assess the organisation that aims to create the a higher degree. Within the OECD, effects of trade policy initiatives for right conditions for small and medi- Sweden has pushed for gender equality women and gender equality. 44 In this um-sized companies in developing to be integrated into trade policy work. way, the toolbox can contribute tow countries to enter global markets for Sweden has also worked with the UN’s trade playing greater role for inclusi- trade. The ITC works actively with trade body UNCTAD to produce a ve development and for women’s trade and gender equality and with toolbox containing methods for asses- economic empowerment. women’s enterprise, and has launched sing the effects of trade policy initiatives for women and gender equality. The seven actions for SheTrades Trade and Gender Toolbox

Congo $5.5 bn +88.8%

Mozambique $4.9 bn -20.6%

$6.9 44 https://unctad.org/en/Pages/DITC/Gender-and-Trade.aspx $2.1 45 https://www.shetrades.com/en $1.6 $0.9 88 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy $0.5 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 89 Trade and Gender Toolbox

How will tHe economic partnersHip agreement between tHe and tHe east african community affect kenyan women? In 2016, Swedish Prime Minister Stefan One aspect of foreign policy involves The exhibition has been developed Löfven launched the Global Deal promoting Swedish values and Swedish Dads into an important tool in the Swedish initiative – a global focus on social spreading the image of Sweden around Foreign Service’s work to encourage dialogue and better labour market the world. Gender equality is an Swedish Dads is a photo exhibition new approaches and values. It has conditions – in partnership with the important part of this image. Many featuring portraits of fathers who been displayed at Swedish embassies ILO and the OECD. The aim of the Swedish embassies confirm that there have chosen to take at least six in around 50 countries, and more Global Deal is to improve the dialogue is a great demand for information about months of parental leave. Photograp- exhibitions are planned. (For more between labour market actors and how Sweden has achieved such a high her Johan Bävman followed some of information, see chapter 6.) national governments to improve terms degree of gender equality. Questions these fathers to find out about their of employment and productivity. about Swedish society – including experiences and how parental leave Effective labour market relations and childcare, parental insurance and the has affected their relationships with decent work contribute towards greater proportion of women in the Swedish their partners and their children. equality and inclusive economic labour market – are asked regularly, The aim of the exhibition is to show development, benefiting workers, and there is a clear interest in finding the effect of more equal parenting at businesses and society – a ‘win-win- out more. individual and societal levels. win’ situation. The Global Deal concept does not involve developing a One tool for implementing the feminist new framework or agreement to be foreign policy is the Swedish Institute’s " I use portraits and interviews implemented in a uniform manner in (SI) toolbox (http://sharingsweden.se), with dads together with their all countries or creating a new interna- which contains presentations such as Opening of the photo exhibition Swedish Dads by Johan children in everyday situations, tional organisation. Instead, the aims Swedish Dads (see chapter 6) and other Bävman at the Epicenter Amsterdam. are to develop a platform to highlight information about a number of gender with the aim of focusing on the issue of cooperation between equality-conscious themes. These show fathers who choose their parties and to strengthen existing what it means to be a feminist foreign family over their jobs and cooperation structures. For example, policy pioneer and where Sweden Sweden and Bangladesh have signed stands on the issue of gender equality.46 careers. The aim is also to a cooperation agreement to contribute to focus on universal loving better dialogue between employers and aspects of parenting, regard- employees in Bangladesh’s female- less of whether this involves dominated textiles industry. The 47 project is being carried out by the ILO fathers or mothers." in cooperation with local trade unions Photographer Johan Bävman and employer organisations. H&M and IF Metall are also involved. 46 The Swedish Institute. Fact sheet: Pioneering a feminist foreign policy and Gender equality – we’ve come a long way, haven’t we? 47 https://si.se/evenemang/swedish-dads-fotoutstallning/

90 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 91 6. Working methods at country level Swedish missions abroad play a For the missions abroad, the feminist central role in the implementation of foreign policy puts these issues in focus the feminist foreign policy. of political dialogue, development cooperation, promotion policy and in One important starting point for the country analyses. Awareness of and feminist foreign policy is that the work interest in these issues is increasing, must be based on the reality where including among employees and operations are carried out, so that the cooperation partners. analyses are accurate and the approach has the maximum impact. This means that the approaches may vary between different missions abroad. At the same ”The fact that we have a femi- time, some experiences coincide. For nist foreign policy has made example, virtually all missions abroad us something of a ‘superhero’ say that the feminist foreign policy has involved something new and different among the aid actors present. that encourages new integrated discus- Colleagues say that they are sions internally, as well as new ways of often asked by other state aid working and initiatives externally, where all tools and policy areas work agencies what promoting a together and have a greater impact. In feminist foreign policy is like, the same way, interaction is created and how good this initiative is.” with a number of Swedish actors on Swedish embassy location, such as Sida, the FBA, Business Sweden, the Swedish Institute and Swedish businesses. This in turn makes it possible to draw on the expertise of all these actors and reach out to more target groups.

92 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 93 Day for the Elimination of Violence ”The 2017 Lucia reception against Women, until 10 December, provided another platform Human Rights Day. In Bangladesh, for reaching out with the for example, the Swedish Embassy has used the occasion to invite participants message about girls’ rights. to round-table discussions on Many guests said that they women’s career opportunities in the appreciated how Sweden textiles industry, in association with the Swedish Institute and the other had succeeded in using a Nordic embassies. reception to present an important message. The The work to combat gender-based event was broadcast on violence has also included a ‘hackathon’ in Honduras, with one of the biggest local Photo from the Wikigap event at Sweden’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO in Paris on International organisers including the Swedish and TV channels, ensuring a Women’s Day in 2018. Dutch embassies. The event resulted wide reach for the message.” in several tools and initiatives that The Swedish Embassy in Tanzania received support for further deve- The in-depth work has borne fruit, Child and other international days are lopment. These included a mobile both externally and internally. Below used by all parts of the Swedish Foreign app for women exposed to violence in is a selection of examples on how Service to raise awareness for these the home, featuring a direct line to missions abroad work systematically issues. These events enable Sweden to the police and support groups, as well with the feminist foreign policy using spread messages of gender equality as recommendations about who else various methods. Other examples can and women’s and girls’ rights via panel to contact. be found elsewhere in this handbook discussions, speeches, articles, and in the collection of examples for radio programmes and social media Swedish and local holidays also offer the first three years’ implementation posts. excellent opportunities to discuss of the policy.48 gender equality and women’s and girls’ The embassies are also actively involved rights. For example, the Swedish International Women’s Day, Human in the global 16 Days of Activism Embassy in Tanzania reports that: Rights Day, International Day for the against Gender-based Violence Elimination of Violence against campaign, which is held every year and Women, International Day of the Girl runs from 25 November, International

48 www.regeringen.se/artiklar/2017/10/sveriges-feministiska-utrikespolitik-exempel-pa-tre-ars-genomforande/

94 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 95 Dialogue and sharing experiences, hed a leadership programme for media. Development cooperation both on an ongoing basis and in women managers and entrepre- contacts have been used for influencing connection with high-level visits, are neurs in Saudi Arabia, and has carried work and dialogue. key tools in this work. These dialogues out an expert visit to Sweden from are often based on specific issues, but China on the theme of women in tech, Within cultural promotion the many countries also show an interest in focusing on women coders. In addition, Swedish Embassy in Mexico City has the Swedish overall view. Sweden works to change discriminato- initiated discussions on what is traditio- ry legislation that presents barriers to nally expected of men and women, and The Swedish feminist foreign policy women’s equal economic participation. how gender stereotypes can be influen- has contributed to women’s enterprise ced in the long term by reaching new and employment in a number of In several countries, including Chile, and broader groups. These discussions different countries. In Bolivia, for the Swedish embassy works with many have taken popular culture as their example, Sweden has contributed to different actors to apply the feminist starting point, such as how to include more than 500 new jobs (self-employed foreign policy. Thanks to cooperation gender equality issues in the scripts of or employed) for women with few with Chilean journalists, several popular soap operas (telenovelas) and resources. Similarly, by financing the millions of TV viewers in the country using music to reach out in particularly Women in Business programme with have been informed about Sweden’s challenging environments. In the latter the European Bank for Reconstruction parental insurance. Through coopera- case, the embassy hosted discussions and Development (EBRD), Sweden has tion with the Hay Mujeres organisation, between women rappers in the form of Photo from the local photo competition, Tanzanian been able provide women entrepre- the embassy has created the “Embaja- Swedish artist Silvana Imam and dads. neurs in Eastern Europe with capacity dores Hay Mujeres” network with the Mexican group Batallones Femininos, development and advice, as well as aim of involving men in gender equality who use their music to promote preferential loan terms with local work. The embassy has also involved women’s rights in Ciudad Juárez, which The abovementioned Swedish photo banks. Another example is the managers within industry in the has particularly high levels of violence exhibition Swedish Dads has genera- networks of local support centres for #HeforShe campaign. and is dominated by a macho culture. ted discussion in many countries, and women (WINNET) which have been has acted as a useful springboard for developed in recent years in accordance The Swedish Embassy in Thailand has The Swedish Embassy in Athens has further dialogue and events relating with the Swedish model, and which carried out initiatives within migration carried out a number of activities to gender roles and gender equality. build upon cooperation between civil work to better discover and prevent within the cultural sector, including a In Croatia, the Swedish Embassy society, the state, the private sector and human trafficking, particularly of three-day tribute to the role of women organised a Festival of Fathers and academia. These centres have created women. The embassy also works within in film-making and to the role of film held round-table discussions in skills development opportunities and a number of other areas, including by for gender equality. Broad discussions parliament in connection with the jobs for vulnerable women, enabling engaging prominent Thai personalities have also included issues relating to exhibition, while in Iran the embassy them to empower themselves, resulting to present the feminist foreign policy’s parental leave and other measures of has taken the exhibition on a national in increased self-confidence and more message. The embassy is actively significance for a gender equal society. tour. Local photo competitions for interest in political engagement and involved in the domestic policy discus- fathers have also been held in several participation. Sweden has also establis- sion through debate articles and social

96 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 97 countries, including China, Uganda, Within development cooperation, Somalia, Sweden’s efforts are estima- Thailand, Tunisia and Switzerland. In The focus on masculinity the gender equality focus has been fur- ted to have contributed towards the other cases, discussions have been at the Swedish Embassy in ther increased and has led to opera- proportion of women members of held on parental insurance, socially Kinshasa, DR Congo tions relating to all the Rs and the Somalia’s parliament having increased engaged photography, the role of objectives of the feminist foreign by 70 per cent in the 2016 election to a fathers and destructive masculinities. As mentioned previously, one of the policy. Not least, Sweden has focused level of 24 per cent. The Swedish The exhibition has taken different positive results of the Swedish on SRHR and gathered its forces by Embassy in Somalia has also helped to forms and has been shown in diffe- feminist foreign policy is the new way working at global, regional and create a national platform with rent places within society, including of working, whereby the individual bilateral levels and with a wide range government, private sector and civil in the Shanghai Metro and at the parts of embassies work together in a of actors and sectors. A quarter of society representatives to implement OECD in Paris. Employees at some more integrated manner across development cooperation’s bilateral the peace, women and safety agenda. embassies have also developed operational borders. One example is strategies include objectives relating to Similarly, the embassies work in other the work carried out by the Swedish aspects of the campaigns, adopting health, focusing on robust health sys- conflict and post-conflict nations to Embassy in the Democratic Republic the term Embassy Dads and using tems, SRHR and improved paedi- increase the involvement of women of the Congo to promote positive social media to talk about their own atric and maternal health. This and girls in all aspects of peace work. masculinity. The embassy works with experiences as dads and equal part- support has contributed to more For example, the Swedish Embassy in boys’ and young men’s image of men ners. midwives, greater access to contracep- Iraq is actively involved in the dia- using extensive support from Sida tives, improved access to safe and legal logue on UN Security Council Resolu- within the scope of development abortions, better conditions for young tion 1325 on women, peace and cooperation, and has also funded a study of masculinity together with people to make informed decisions security, contributing to its implemen- UN Women. Other initiatives have about their health, sexuality and tation by supporting local civil society included holding essay-writing reproduction, and better conditions organisations and working to ensure competitions for young students on for LGBTQ persons to enjoy human that the UN bodies there meet their the theme of boys’ and men’s roles in rights. In Mozambique, the embassy undertakings in relation to gender gender equality work, organising a has helped to draw up the new natio- equality and women’s and girls’ photo competition on the theme “un nal guidelines for abortion care, and in human rights. vrai homme” (“a real man”), holding Zambia a programme with Swedish round-table discussions on masculi- support that focuses on comprehensi- Via Sida, Sweden also supports many nity and sharing regular messages on ve sexuality education in schools is initiatives for women’s economic social media with interviews from thought to have helped prevent around empowerment, including through the men’s networks and activists. The 50 000 unplanned pregnancies. regional initiative “JP RWEE” carried far-reaching impact is the outcome of out in seven countries: Ethiopia, the work across operational areas that Programmes to strengthen women’s Guatemala, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, has been carried out effectively political participation have been Nepal, Nigeria and Rwanda. The aim within foreign policy, culture, funded in several countries, including is to boost rural women’s potential by promoting Sweden and development Zimbabwe, Syria and Moldavia. In improving access to and control over cooperation.

98 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 99 resources, services and opportunities, for pursuing gender equality issues devising various events and activities overseas agency that has carried out and by giving them a stronger voice in together. Dinner meetings have also under the embassy’s management on extensive work to increase the level of the home and in society. been arranged with civil rights this theme. The network consists of knowledge internally. In order to organisations and women journalists. nine people with documented expe- create impact for the feminist foreign Many missions abroad emphasise that The embassy invites women’s rights rience of working for gender equality policy externally, the embassy has the Swedish feminist foreign policy organisations to political discussions and women’s rights. The participants identified that its own staff need more has given Sweden new arenas and as a matter of course, to ensure that also represent different sections of knowledge and understanding. One access to other actors compared to women and girls have opportunities Ethiopian society, including the public hub for such discussions is the embassy’s the embassies’ traditional networks. In for political participation and influence. and private sectors, academia, civil operational planning process, which Sarajevo and Washington, for example, The platform offered by the embassy society and the media, including social provides opportunities for discussing the Swedish embassies report high gives women their own space where media. what a feminist approach can involve levels of interest among university they can build the social networks that in concrete terms within the embassy’s students. men often already have. The embassy The Swedish Embassy in Tbilisi, various operational areas, as well as for also contributes with training for Georgia, is another example of an regular monitoring and evaluation. The feminist foreign policy has also partners on various gender equality strengthened the voice and reach of issues, including gender budgeting and certain groups, such as women’s resource allocation. rights activists, through Sweden inviting them to international conferences and Extensive work is carried out internally highlighting their work on social at missions abroad to enhance their own media. One example is the work of the expertise on gender equality and Swedish Embassy in Brazil. In Angola, women’s and girls’ rights, and to Sweden was one of a few embassies to sharpen working methods and accompany the Angolan Minister for analytical tools. The embassies work Gender Equality on a roadshow in to broaden their basis for obtaining rural areas to discuss gender equality, information and to ensure that all with a large social media presence. voices and perspectives are heard. In line with this, the Swedish Embassy in Several Swedish embassies have also Ethiopia established a network in helped to create platforms for women spring 2018 for gender equality issues and girls. For example, the Swedish and women’s rights. The idea of the Embassy in Liberia allows women’s network is that it should help the rights organisations and women’s embassy to analyse and understand Sweden's ambassador to Vietnam Ann Måwe and Phuong Anh particpating in #GirlsTakeover - a global forums to hold meetings and discus- developments in connection with initiative to promote girls’ rights and highlight their agency on the International Day of the Girl, October sions at the embassy’s premises, with gender equality and women’s rights in 2019. the aim of improving their conditions the country, and to contribute towards

100 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 101 7. Pursuing gender equality in the ”Few foreign policy issues ments in gender equality increase the are as well-founded as this frequency of gainful employment and strengthen the human capital of the face of headwinds subject, but I still sometimes whole of society. Experience has also encounter distrust.” shown that it may be important to Swedish embassy identify common challenges (men’s violence against women, gender Sweden’s feminist foreign policy is stereotypes, differences in pay and sometimes met with resistance that responsibility for unpaid work, an manifests itself in different ways, for ageing population, digitalisation of example through suppression industry, etc.) and to allow gender techniques such as ridiculing and equality to become an integral part of making the visible invisible. the discussion on how solutions to the problems can be identified and worked At the same time, this resistance has on together. been less than expected and has eased in line with the continuous growth in Examples of arguments for increased interest and support. One explanation gender equality: for this trend is the Swedish Foreign Service’s active work to win support for •• The global economy would grow the policy within the fourth R, i.e. the by 26 per cent if women and men reality in which it is operated. Swedish were equal in working life.49 embassies and departments within the Swedish Foreign Service use a number •• Research shows that the proportion of different approaches. In addition to of household income spent on the rights perspective, it is also impor- children’s development increases tant to highlight research, experiences significantly when women have and arguments which show that gender greater control over the resources equality benefits social and economic of the household.50 development. For example, invest-

49  www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/employment-and-growth/how-advancing-womens-equality-can-add- 12-trillion-to-global-growth 50 See e.g.: http://womendeliver.org/investment/boost-womens-economic-empowerment/

102 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 103 •• If women were able to farm on the The #MeToo movement has provided •• Use dialogue with international, same terms as men, 100 million new opportunities to highlight and Checklist for pursuing gender national and local women’s rights 51 people would avoid going hungry. combat men’s violence against women, equality in the face of organisations, and with other human which Sweden has seized. One way is to headwinds rights and civil society organisations, •• Research shows that gender equal hold internal discussions on whether to support them but also to make use •• Win support and encourage societies are more peaceful, and a and how the Swedish Foreign Service of their knowledge, problem analysis leadership for gender equality at growing number of studies indicate practises what it preaches. Another way and proposals which are of decisive the highest possible level, including that peace processes and peace is to take part in discussions with importance in the work for sustaina- with both female and male political, agreements that include both women external actors. ble solutions. 52 military, religious and economic and men are more sustainable. • Find out why critics are sceptical and decision-makers. • ”Work on readjustments rela- what their line of thinking is. Sexual and gender-based violence is a •• Work to include gender equality in ting to gender equality usually •• Counteract doubt and criticism with central issue that can still be difficult to steering documents and checklists at touches upon key issues such clear arguments based on statistics, discuss and counteract in all its forms, all levels. facts and concrete examples from but there are now more tools and as the distribution of resour- •• Find like-minded actors, forge the environment in questions and/or alliances and drive forward issues platforms for this. One example is the ces, influence and responsibili- from other contexts such as Sweden. Council of Europe Convention on together with them or in interaction ty. Therefore gender equality • Persevere, and be prepared for preventing and combating violence with them. • work often arouses strong continual wearing down and negotia- against women and domestic violence •• Broaden ownership for issues tion. (the ), the first feelings. Some show their through dialogue and cooperation • Headline and integrate the gender legally binding document on violence concerns openly. Others with more/new groups. • equality issue to make it clear that it against women in Europe. The conven- •• Create and support platforms so that practise various forms of fits in, and how. tion condemns all forms of violence more actors are made visible and can denial, such as denying vario- • Emphasise that greater gender and describes violence against women contribute. • equality is often a partial solution as an expression of historically unequal us facts that point towards •• Establish exchanges of experience to the problems vulnerable groups power relationships between women gender inequality or that and knowledge between different face, but that women and girls are and men. It also establishes that actors (e.g. networks, breakfast unjust conditions have not vulnerable groups in themselves. violence against women is gender-based clubs, lunch circles and series of anything to do with gender. at a structural level. In parallel with its seminars). national work to prevent and combat Some become aggressive. violence, Sweden also works to ensure Many protest in silence.” 53 that other countries ratify the conven- tion and live up to its obligations.

51 www.wfp.org/our-work/preventing-hunger/focus-women/women-hunger-facts 52 UN Women, “Preventing Conflict, Transforming Justice, Securing the Peace: A Global Study on the Implementation of United Nations Security Council resolution 1325” 53 Eva Amundsdotter, Mathias Ericson, Ulrika Jansson and Sophie Linghag (2015) “Motstånd och strategier i jämställdhetsarbete” [“Opposition and strategies in gender equality work”]

104 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 105 Certain issues meet with more resistan- ce than others. One such issue is sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), including the issue of abor- tion. Sweden is a leading defender of SRHR, at global, national and local ”Around the world, there is a pushback levels. The ongoing dialogue with both states and multilateral organisations on women’s rights. […] We will push and other relevant actors is an impor- tant tool that makes a difference. back against the pushback. And we will Sweden is also a major donor to SRHR work at all levels, and continuously emphasises the link between SRHR keep pushing. For wholesale change. and human rights, gender equality, health, combating HIV and sustainable For rapid change. And for the development etc. Other methods include external and mobilising meaningful change our world needs, campaigns (cf. SheDecides in chapter 4) and dialogue and sharing experience starting by addressing the imbalance in with like-minded parties, including civil society. power relations.” 54

UN Secretary-General António Guterres

54 https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/speeches/2019-03-11/csw-remarks-opening-of-63rd-session

106 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 107 8. References 8.1 Documents

Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2017) “Canada’s feminist international assistance Statistics Sweden (2004) “Könsuppdelad statistik. Ett nödvändigt medel för policy – #Her voice Her Choice” jämställdhetsanalys” [“Statistics by sex. A necessary tool for gender analysis”] Council of the European Union (2015) “The EU action plan for gender equality and women’s The Swedish Institute: empowerment in the EU’s external relations 2016–2020” •• Pioneering a Feminist Foreign Policy European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) (2014) “Estimating the costs of gender-ba- •• Gender Equality – we’ve come a long way, haven’t we? sed violence in the European Union” The Swedish Red Cross and the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs (2015) European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (2014) “Violence against Women: An “IHL and Gender – Swedish experiences” EU-wide survey” •• The Swedish Government: Eva Amundsdotter, Mathias Ericson, Ulrika Jansson and Sophie Linghag (2015) •• Inrättandet av en jämställdhetsmyndighet. [“The introduction of a gender “Motstånd och strategier i gender equalitysarbete” [“Opposition and strategies in gender equality work”] equality agency.”] Dir. 2016:108 The Swedish Ministry of Finance, JämKAS Budget •• Jämställdhetspolitiken: Delad makt - delat ansvar. [“The gender equality policy: Human Rights Watch (2017) “I Won’t Be a Doctor, and One Day You’ll Be Sick – Girls’ Shared power – shared responsibility.”] Bill 1993/94:147 Access to Education in Afghanistan” •• “Makt, mål och myndighet – feministisk politik för en jämställd framtid” Inter-Parliamentary Union “Women in national parliaments”, as per 1 April 2018 [“Power, goals and agency – a feminist policy for a gender-equal future”] Government Communication 2016/17:10 Lee, Marlene and Jocelyn Finlay (2017), The Effect of Reproductive Health Improve- ments on Women’s Economic Empowerment: A Review Through the Population and •• Policyramverk för svenskt utvecklingssamarbete och humanitärt bistånd. Poverty (POPPOV) Lens (Washington, DC: Population and Poverty Research [“Policy framework for Swedish development cooperation and humanitarian Initiative and Population Reference Bureau) aid.”] Government Communication 2016/17:60 McKinsey Global Institute (2015) “The power of parity: How advancing women’s equality can •• Stärkt skydd mot tvångsäktenskap och barnäktenskap. [“Stronger protection add $12 trillion to global growth” against forced and child marriage”] SOU 2012:35 National Democratic Institute (NDI), “Why women in politics” •• Utredningen om starkare skydd mot barnäktenskap, tvångsäktenskap och brott med hedersmotiv. [“The investigation on stronger protection against child Paffenholz et al., “Making Women Count: Assessing Women’s Inclusion and Influen- marriage, forced marriage and ‘honour’ crimes.”] Ju 2017:06 ce on the Quality and Sustainability of Peace Negotiations and Implementation.” UN Women (2015) ”Preventing conflict, transforming justice, securing the peace Regeringskansliets föreskrifter med arbetsordning för utrikesdepartementet [“The - A Global Study on the Implementation of United Nations Security Council resolution 1325” Government Offices’ regulations and rules of procedure for the Ministry for Foreign Affairs”] (2017) UNWOMEN (2011) ”Progress of the World's Women: In Pursuit of Justice” Small Arms Survey (2016) “Gender-Based Violence Interventions: Opportunities for Innovation” UN Women (2018) ”Women in Politics 2017”

108 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 109 The Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs: 8.2 Websites 8.3 Twitter •• Feministisk utrikespolitik – varför och vad handlar det om? Presentationsmaterial. www.calltoactiongbv.com #StockholmGenderForum [“Feminist foreign policy – why, and what is it about? Presentation materials.”] www.centreforfeministforeignpolicy.org #Genderequalworld •• Swedish Foreign Service action plan for feminist foreign policy 2015–2018 www.economist.com @margotwallstrom •• Sveriges feministiska utrikespolitik [“Sweden’s feminist foreign policy”] www.eige.europa.se #EqualityMakesSense (e-training) www.fba.se #MoreWomenMorePeace •• Sveriges feministiska utrikespolitik – exempel på tre års genomförande www.genderchampions.com #WikiGap [“Sweden’s feminist foreign policy – examples of three years of implementation”] www.globalamålen.se #Midwives4all •• Sweden’s National Action Plan for the implementation of the UN Security Coun- www.gsma.com #SheDecides cil’s Resolutions on Women, Peace and Security 2016–2020 www.gqualcampaign.org #SwedishDads •• Statement of Government Policy on Foreign Affairs 2015, 2016 and 2018 www.iklartext.se #SheTrades www.msb.se The World Bank (2018) “Women, Business and the Law 2018” www.regeringen.se www.shetrades.com www.si.se www.sida.se www.swemfa.se www.unctad.org www.unwomen.se www.utrikesdepartementet.se www.weforum.org www.who.org

110 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 111 Handbook Sweden’s feminist foreign policy 113 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Switchboard: 08-405 10 00 Visiting address: Gustav Adolfs torg 1 Stockholm