The CESIF, Nepal organized conference on ‘Shaping Nepal’s Future: Prospect and Roadmap for Feminist Foreign Policy’ on 7th May,2024 at Kathmandu Marriott Hotel, with support from the Australian Embassy in Nepal, The Asia Foundation, and UNDP. The conference aimed to explore integrating Feminist Foreign Policy (FFP) principles into Nepal's foreign policy to foster inclusivity and enhance Nepal’s international presence.
CESIF’s Executive Chairperson, Amb. Vijaya Kant Karna, welcomed participants and set the conference's agenda, emphasizing the need for a collaborative dialogue on mainstreaming feminist perspectives. Keynote addresses were delivered by Nepal’s Foreign Secretary, Ms. Sewa Lamsal, who highlighted Nepal’s progress in gender equality and the ongoing need to incorporate FFP principles into foreign policy, and Hon. Dr. Anjan Shakya, who noted the gaps in women’s representation in high-level positions despite constitutional provisions.
Three experts presented their insights: Niha Pandey discussed Nepal’s unique position and potential for FFP integration, Dr. Simi Mehta explored the evolution of FFP in South Asia, and Victoria Scheyer shared lessons from Germany's FFP implementation. Panel discussions further delved into various aspects of FFP, including its prospects in Nepal, the importance of feminist voices in modern diplomacy, multisectoral perspectives, and the current status and future of the feminist movement in Nepal.
The first panel, “Assessing Realities and Prospects for Feminist Foreign Policy in Nepal,” featured discussions on the historical feminist movement and its current challenges.
The second panel, “Feminist Voices in Modern Diplomacy: Why It Matters,” included diplomats sharing personal experiences and the impact of a gender equality lens in their work.
The third panel focused on “Multisectoral Perspectives in Feminist Foreign Policy,” addressing issues in migration, education, and climate policies.
The final panel, “Feminist Movement in Nepal: Status and Way Forward,” brought together activists to discuss integrating gender into policy-making.
CESIF’s Research Director, Ajaya Bhadra Khanal, concluded the conference by summarizing key insights and expressing gratitude to the attendees, which included policymakers, diplomats, feminist activists, and UN representatives.
