Gender equality through diplomacy was one of the key topics discussed by Margot Wallström (Former Swedish Foreign Minister) in her interview on ‘Talking Foreign Affairs’ with Adil Cader.

The two also briefly touch upon Swedish Foreign Policy. Talking about her feminist foreign policy, Mrs. Margot Wallström remarks, “More women mean more peace.” “My experience as the first special representative on sexual violence in conflict- she recounts- gave me a heavier heart but also paradoxically more hope for the future.” She further adds that there cannot be sustainable peace without women’s participation in the negotiation process. She reflects upon the challenges in implementing her foreign policy decisions. “You have to make sure that there is a structure, that you build a system that will remain”, adds Mrs. Wallström.

On the subject of the Swedish political system, the host Adil Cader asks about the impact of a coalition system on foreign policy drafting. Mrs. Wallström explains that “foreign policy normally is not something that undergoes much scrutiny, and despite regular consultations, it depends largely on the competency of the government”. With regards to the gender gap in diplomacy, she says that “women are still not naturally part of peace processes around the world. There is so much more to do and we have to work together, including men, to change things around. This is the most reasonable and the smartest thing to do to make sure that women enjoy the same rights, representations and resources as men.”

Concluding the interview, Adil mentions the feminist foreign policy and its success. Mrs. Wallström adds that in order to be relevant and effective, “you also have to be able to reform and develop a policy like this one. We’re now looking towards inclusion, to make it intersectional, embracing and inclusive of everybody.”

“More women in foreign affairs, means more peace.”

Margot Wallström

Margot Wallström was Minister of Foreign Affairs for Sweden from 2014 – 2019 and also served as Deputy Prime Minister. Famously known for helping formulate the world’s first feminist foreign policy,  Wallström previously served as the first UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict from 2010 to 2012.

‘Talking Foreign Affairs’ seeks to educate young people on key international issues and analyse key themes of foreign policy and current global affairs.

Adil Cader specialises in Global Diplomacy and Australian Foreign Policy .  He is the Perth-based Founder and Host of ‘Talking Foreign Affairs’, in which capacity he has interviewed Prime Ministers, Nobel Peace Prize Winners, Foreign Ministers and a UN Secretary General.