Ms Niha Pandey1
1Monash University, Clayton, Australia
Biography:
Niha Pandey is a PhD candidate in Politics and International Relations at Monash University, and an Assistant Professor in the Department of International Relations and Diplomacy at Tribhuvan University, Nepal. Her research focuses on exploring the opportunities and constraints for advancing Feminist Foreign Policy in Nepal, contributing to broader discussions on gender, peace, and security within the region and beyond.
Abstract:
Feminist Foreign Policy (FFP) is an emerging concept that prioritizes meaningful inclusion of women and the integration of gender perspectives into both domestic and foreign policy environment. This research explores the relevance of FFP in Nepal, a country whose foreign policy has been influenced by its unique geopolitical positioning. It examines the barriers and enablers for advancing FFP in Nepal, considering the country’s history of women’s movement and its distinct socio-cultural and political landscape.
Adopting a feminist qualitative methodology, this study analyses gender-related policies in Nepal through comprehensive policy document reviews. It also incorporates narrative analysis based on key informant interviews conducted with relevant stakeholders such as gender experts. The findings reveal significant barriers, including entrenched patriarchal norms, limited representation of women in decision-making and inadequate resources. Despite these barriers, the research indicates enablers for Nepal to advance FFP principles which includes policy commitments for gender equality. Thus, these enablers could enhance Nepal's global reputation, foster gender equality and promote sustainable development.
The findings emphasize that advancing Nepal's FFP requires strong accountability mechanisms, gender sensitization initiatives, capacity-building efforts and collaboration with international organizations dedicated to gender equality. For Nepal, incorporating FFP principles could also catalyse broader social and political reforms, fostering progress both domestically and internationally.
This research contributes to the growing discourse on feminist approaches in international relations by demonstrating how FFP can create a pathway for a small state like Nepal to create inclusive and equitable policies aligning with global commitments to gender justice and human rights.