Liberia Leads the Way in Feminist Foreign Policy at the African Union Side Event

Liberia reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment with a high-level side event on Feminist Foreign Policy (FFP) during the African Union Summit. The event, titled “Gender Equality in Foreign Policies: Relevance of Feminist Foreign Policies in Africa,” convened ministers, civil society leaders, development partners, and feminist movements to explore how feminist principles can transform governance, peace, and socio-economic development across the continent.

As a trailblazer in gender-responsive governance, Liberia showcased its ongoing efforts to integrate feminist principles into its foreign policy and governance frameworks. The event highlighted Liberia’s historic milestones, including the election of Africa’s first female president, its pioneering role in the UN Security Council, and its active participation in global advocacy as a member of the FFP+ Group. Liberia is poised to become one of the first African nations to adopt a Feminist Foreign Policy, setting a powerful example for the continent. 

Her Excellency Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Liberia, opened the event by emphasizing the transformative power of gender equality in foreign policies. “Liberia is committed to advancing Gender Equality in Foreign Policy, as true gender equality demands full, fair, and inclusive transformation,” she stated. Minister Nyanti called for the full representation of women in all spaces, underscoring Liberia’s leadership in championing feminist principles on the global stage.

Dr. Kayitesi Jeanne Flora, Head of Division, Gender Policy at the African Union Commission, reiterated the African Union’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment as key aspirations of Agenda 2063. She emphasized the importance of gender-responsive policies in achieving the continent’s development goals and lauded Liberia’s efforts to lead by example. 

The event took place at a critical juncture, with five years remaining to deliver on the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 on gender equality. It also marked 25 years since the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security, and 30 years since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. 

Mr. Houinato Maxime, Regional Director of UN Women for West and Central Africa, underscored the significance of 2025 as a pivotal year for advancing gender equality. He highlighted findings from the recently concluded analysis of B+30 national reports, which revealed that nearly 25% of member states have integrated gender-responsive measures into their foreign policies. This approach is seen as a pathway to mainstreaming gender equality and promoting the rights of women and girls through bilateral and multilateral engagements.

Mr. Houinato also emphasized the critical role of gender-responsive Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in fostering inclusive economic growth and development. “It is imperative to integrate gender considerations in investment policies to drive inclusive and equitable growth,” he stated, stressing the need for investment policies that actively promote women’s empowerment.

Speaking on behalf of development partners, France shared its journey toward the adoption of its Feminist Diplomacy Strategy in 2019. The representative highlighted the importance of gender as ‘THE’ priority and a key element in diplomacy. France’s experience demonstrated how feminist principles can be integrated into foreign policy to promote gender equality and women’s rights globally.

The side event culminated in actionable recommendations to advance gender equality and feminist governance:

• A commitment for all stakeholders to collaborate closely with the Government of Liberia in making Feminist Foreign Policy a reality.
• A call for the establishment of a Group of Friends of Gender Equality at the African Union level to advance gender-responsive policies.
• Continued consultations at regional and national levels to inform Liberia’s journey and set the pace for other African countries.

Liberia’s Vision for Inclusive Development

Liberia’s commitment to Feminist Foreign Policy aligns with its national development priorities, including the National Development Plan (2024-2026) ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development and the revised National Gender Policy. By embedding feminist principles into its governance frameworks, Liberia is not only addressing systemic gender inequalities but also setting a precedent for other nations. As Liberia continues its journey toward gender equality, it remains steadfast in its commitment to building a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous future for all. The side event marked a pivotal moment in advancing feminist governance in Africa, demonstrating Liberia’s resolve to lead by example on the global stage.