Dr Elise Stephenson1
1Global Institute for Women’s Leadership at the Australian National University, Australia
Biography:
Dr Elise Stephenson is the Deputy Director of the Global Institute for Women's Leadership, Australian National University, founded and chaired by former prime minister Julia Gillard. She is a multi-award-winning gender equality researcher with an entrepreneurial background. Elise's research focuses on gender, sexuality and leadership in policy frontiers, from researching the space sector, to diplomacy, national security, intelligence, climate action, international relations, and the Asia Pacific. She is an Australian Research Council Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) fellow 2025-2028 for her research on: Gender Equality at the Frontiers: AI, Space and Climate Action. She is the researcher and author behind the largest ever study of gender equality in the space sector, the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)’s Landmark Study on Gender Equality in the Global Space Sector 2024.
Abstract:
This paper explores the integration of feminist foreign policy (FFP) principles into the governance of artificial intelligence (AI). As AI technologies rapidly evolve, they present both opportunities and challenges that necessitate robust international governance frameworks. This paper argues that an intersectional feminist approach is crucial for addressing the gendered impacts of AI, particularly on marginalized groups. By prioritizing fair, consensual, and collaborative AI development, this approach contrasts with current global practices that often overlook these critical dimensions. The paper highlights the need for ‘feminist technology diplomacy’ to ensure that AI governance is inclusive and equitable, proposing specific recommendations for policymakers and international bodies. This work contributes to the broader discourse on AI ethics and governance, emphasizing the importance of integrating gender perspectives to mitigate risks and enhance the benefits of AI for all, and identifying FFP pathways forwards for inclusion.