Page 45 - A Gender-Sensitive Indian Foreign Policy- Why? and How?

Indian Council
of World Affairs

We have to re-imagine our stake holders in foreign policy.

Dr. Soumita Basu: I think based on my work on this, I would suggest a greater engagement with
existing international norms on relating to gender and to have an Indian
perspective on that and really seriously engage with existing policies that are
there. Thank you.

Amb. Nirupama Rao Thank you. Swati?
(Chair and Moderator)

Dr. Swati Parashar Yes. There was a critique from one gentleman on this panel in social media,
saying that, how do you expect gender to discuss gender equality when
you have a panel of all women. Mind you there are not many panels where
all women are there. But anyways, to challenge that comment and several
others, just to point out, we have too many men and if we are not paying
attention to having women in our foreign service, in our decision making
bodies, we have to make more noise about it I would say, irrespective of
where we are and what we do. So having more women definitely.

Amb. Nirupama Rao Absolutely. Bindhulakshmi?
(Chair and Moderator)

Dr. Bindhulakshmi I would say, we have to re-imagine our stake holders in
foreign policy. That is to come from the stand point of the
most marginalized. And I am taking a stand point here,
to say that the stand point of the most marginalized.
Wherever, the gender is not the only entity, there are
multiple intersections.

Amb. Nirupama Rao Thank you. And Akanksha?
(Chair and Moderator)

Ms. Akanksha Khullar For me would be making space. Making space not only in
terms of participation and inclusion, but also really providing a space where
diverse groups can be represented and can raise their voices. As Swati said,
only when you make the noise, the change will start to happen.

Amb. Nirupama Rao Thank you. So we are drawing to a close of this fascinating discussion.
(Chair and Moderator)
I wish we could have had a little more time. But there will be future
opportunities I am sure. A 45

A GENDER-SENSITIVE INDIAN FOREIGN POLICY Why? and How?