Page 12 - A Gender-Sensitive Indian Foreign Policy- Why? and How?

Indian Council
of World Affairs

A feminist foreign policy is not a pacifist foreign policy.

Contrary to popular belief, a feminist foreign policy is not a pacifist foreign
policy. It is about having tough conversations in a graceful way. What is
important is to balance diplomacy and defence, and use diplomacy as the
first line of defence so that the decisions we take will lead to more stability.
Our decisions should be based on solid data analysis and we should integrate
gender equality into the working of our foreign policy - using the data from
research in the field to avoid unintended consequences in the working
of policy.

Another issue of central concern is that of Women, Peace and Security or
the WPS Agenda. Twenty years after the passage of UN Security Council
Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325) many Member States, India included, have
not developed a WPS National Action Plan (NAP). India is supportive of
the Women, Peace and Security agenda and is committed to the UNSC
Resolution itself, but these commitments and talking points require more
granularities in translation. Perhaps, this is work in progress. The issue of
armed conflict – the use of force as a weapon affecting the unarmed and
marginalized in which we include women, has a grave impact on lives of
non-combatants and we can ill afford to ignore this factor if we are to ensure
conflict prevention and elimination. We have to listen to their voices and
build a national consensus on UNSCR 1325 and understand the true meaning
of human security. Strengthening women’s representation in key governance
institutions and bodies is a part of this effort. This should be a key marker for
our democracy.

Lastly, there is a felt need for more Indian women to access the field of
security studies and international relations and a rise in their numbers in
senior executive positions in think tanks in this country for instance. There
are many patriarchal and entrenched barriers to overcome. Women tend
to be pigeon-holed on the basis of their gender. Old boys will be old boys
although there are many men who are exceptions to this rule and value
diversity and inclusion. A woman security studies scholar recently suggested
that a National Action Plan on UNSCR 1325 by India may strengthen the role
and presence of women scholars in peace and security. This is certainly worth
further consideration.

India is supportive of the Women, Peace and Security agenda
and is committed to the UNSC Resolution itself, but these
commitments and talking points require more granularities in
translation. Perhaps, this is work in progress.
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Indian Council of World Affairs An ICWA Conversation