17th March 2025

In an exclusive interview on ‘Talking Foreign Affairs’ with Adil Cader, former Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallström, who in 2014 famously launched the world’s first feminist foreign policy, talks about gender equality through diplomacy, briefly touching on Swedish Foreign Policy.

Margot Wallström, drawing from her UN experience addressing conflict-related sexual violence, pioneered Sweden’s feminist foreign policy upon becoming Foreign Minister in 2014. Her approach centred on the “three R’s”—Rights, Representation, and Resources—aiming to integrate women’s rights into peace and policy frameworks. Rights ensured equal legal standing, Representation focused on including women in leadership, and Resources emphasized gender-sensitive budgeting to address their specific needs. This practical policy aimed to enhance global peace by empowering women.

“More women involved in peace processes means more peace.”

Additionally, Margot’s feminist foreign policy for Sweden, launched amid initial diplomatic hesitation, redefined feminism in diplomacy by promoting equal rights, representation, and resources for women. Through structured action plans and accountability, the policy gained traction and inspired similar initiatives globally. Her UN background helped prioritize women’s roles in peace processes, notably within the UN Security Council, reinforcing that feminist diplomacy is both ethical and strategic.

“The initial hesitation turned into a lot of enthusiasm…realizing that it’s not only the right thing to do but the smart thing to do.”

Lastly, she explains that while Sweden’s coalition government requires extensive budget negotiations and consensus-building with the opposition, foreign policy remains under government control, aiming for bipartisan support on key issues like the feminist foreign policy. Sweden’s coalition structure often emphasizes consultation, fostering continuity across governments. She notes that while they hoped to inspire others, Sweden’s feminist foreign policy has indeed become a global influence, illustrating “smart power” and the belief that peace is best achieved through proactive diplomacy and investment in political dialogue.

“If you want peace, you have to prepare for peace…that is always the first front line or should be the first front line.”

Margot Wallström reflects on the global impact of Sweden’s feminist foreign policy, which she championed to include women’s roles in peace processes and diplomatic efforts. Despite challenges in coalition politics, her approach emphasized collaboration and inspired similar policies worldwide, promoting peace through inclusive, proactive diplomacy.