Transforming the Future for Women and Girls by Making Global Connections

Stephenie Foster (she/her) has deep and broad expertise in women’s economic and political empowerment with decades of experience on Capitol Hill, in the Executive Branch, the non-profit sector, and in the law. She has been fighting for women and girls her entire career; Empowering women in Afghan war zones (U.S. Embassy, Kabul), monitoring elections in Ukraine, representing the U.S. State Department in meetings with government and civil society leaders (Office of Global Women’s Issues), and serving as a Chief of Staff in the U.S. Senate. Having traveled, lived, or worked in over 100 countries, she has consistently used her voice and actions to change discriminatory laws and policies and help shift cultural norms and inequalities. She is a founding partner of Smash Strategies, which provides strategic advice to corporations, institutions and philanthropists to ensure that their investments in women and girls are effective and transformational. Based on her unique experiences, she understands the political and policy landscapes relevant to empowering women and girls, in order to increase their opportunities for leadership and growth and promote a more equal world.

Feminist Foreign Policy in Theory and in Practice outlines the foundations of feminist foreign policy and the fundamental concepts discussed and utilized by governments, civil society organizations, and those in the academic community as they define, formulate, and implement it.

This book furthers the global conversation around how countries can develop and execute approaches to foreign policy and national security that go beyond conflict prevention and resolution and use a feminist or gender lens to increase gender equality and women's leadership in the security sector. It reviews how governments have implemented feminist foreign, development, and trade policies at the multilateral and national levels, and sets forth the unique global role of the U.S. government, using case studies to discuss what would be needed to implement a feminist foreign policy in the U.S. The authors provide a roadmap, stressing the necessity of applying a gender analysis and perspective to all peace and security decision-making and involving women in all aspects of conflict prevention and resolution, peacebuilding, post-conflict reconstruction, and humanitarian relief. They tie together the movements for human rights, women’s rights, feminism, and peace and security, highlighting how each of these strands brings key perspectives to the study of foreign policy. 

A well sourced and important workbook/toolkit, Take Action: Fighting for Women & Girls covers the basics of activism and advocacy and gives the reader specific information about four issues related to girls, women, and gender equality: the power and importance of education, expanding economic opportunities, eliminating gender-based violence, and participating in politics and public life. This book will help would-be activists start their work and stay focused and goal-oriented.

Stephenie Foster has been fighting for women and girls her entire career – She has deep and broad expertise in women’s economic and political empowerment and has consistently used her voice and actions to change discriminatory laws and policies and help shift cultural norms and inequalities.

The Annual Stephenie Foster Advocate of the Year Award (AYA) recognizes the passion, effort and resourcefulness of someone who persistently takes action and fights for equality – strategically overcoming obstacles and challenges that thwart progress and success– on behalf of women and girls. 

Feminist Foreign Policy

In Stephenie's latest textbook, Feminist Foreign Policy: In Theory and In Practice, I delve into the essential foundations and concepts that define feminist foreign policy. This comprehensive guide serves as a critical resource for governments, civil society organizations, and academic communities as they work to define, formulate, and implement feminist approaches in foreign policy.

Key Features:
Foundational Concepts:
Explore the core principles that underpin feminist foreign policy. This section provides a thorough understanding of the theoretical frameworks and ideological foundations that guide feminist approaches in international relations.

Women, Peace, and Security Agenda:
Complementing the study of the women, peace, and security agenda, this book examines how feminist foreign policy intersects with efforts to promote peace, security, and the protection of women's rights in conflict and post-conflict settings.

Foreign Policy and Multilateral Engagement:
Gain insights into how feminist principles are integrated into foreign policy decisions and actions. This section covers multilateral and bilateral engagement strategies, highlighting the importance of collaboration and international cooperation in promoting gender equality.

Promotion of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion:
Understand the critical role of feminist foreign policy in advancing gender equality and social inclusion on a global scale. This section addresses the policies and practices that support marginalized communities and promote inclusive development.

Feminist Foreign Policy, In Theory and In Practice is an invaluable textbook for students, practitioners, and policymakers. It provides a robust framework for understanding and implementing feminist principles in foreign policy, offering practical insights and strategies for creating a more just and equitable world.

Purchase Your Copy Today!

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Politics & Prose | Bookshop.org

Feminist Foreign Policy: Views from the Field

As governments grapple with numerous complex challenges, more traditional approaches to foreign and security policy need rethinking. So do underlying assumptions about gender, power, and security.

Feminist foreign policy (FFP) has emerged as a new paradigm, building on legal frameworks, feminist international relations theory, women’s movements, and the women, peace, and security agenda. FFP is a bold commitment, signaling to those inside government, civil society and other states that gender equality is a foreign policy goal and fundamental to peace, security and stability.  

This panel will address how FFP differs from traditional foreign policy, or one focused on advancing the rights of women and girls. The panelists will discuss the theory and practice of FFP, with examples from two counties that are implementing an FFP (one from Latin American and one from Europe) and highlight the perspective of civil society advocates for FFP.

FFP differs across countries but encompasses key principles. It is a framework to integrate gender equality across diplomacy, foreign assistance, defense and security cooperation, and trade. It widens the definition of security and addresses historic power imbalances. It values more diverse voices in policymaking, from both inside and outside government. 

Speakers:

  • Caroline Bettinger-Lopez (moderator), University of Miami School of Law
  • Stephenie Foster (co-author), Smash Strategies
  • Elisabeth Franz, German Embassy, Washington, DC
  • Susan Markham (co-author), Smash Strategies
  • Gayatri Patel, Coalition for a Feminist Foreign Policy in the U.S.
  • Arlene Tickner, Deputy Permanent Representative of Colombia to the United Nations
Feminist Foreign Policy
June 27, 2024
Feminist Foreign Policy: Past, Present & Future
June 24, 2024
Feminist Foreign Policy in Theory and Practice
May 13, 2024
Feminist Foreign Policy, Class on Gender, War & Peace
April 24, 2024
A Conversation with the Authors of Feminist Foreign Policy in Theory and Practice
March 27, 2024
Feminist Foreign Policy, Class on Gender, Sex, and Power
March 26, 2024
Leadership, Advocacy, and Coalition Building
March 7, 2024
Rights. Resources. Representation. Why We Need Feminist Foreign Policy
March 4, 2024
Shaping Tomorrow's World with Feminist Foreign Policy
February 7, 2024
A New Way Forward: Feminist Foreign Policy
January 24, 2024
Feminist Foreign Policy in Theory and Practice
December 14, 2023
Feminist Foreign Policy in Theory and Practice
November 8, 2023
Feminist Foreign Policy in Theory and Practice
October 31, 2023
Feminist Foreign Policy in Theory and Practice
October 28, 2023

A Weekly Roundup of What's Happening in the World - With a Goal to Inform & Promote Women

From Interruptrr's 2023 Book List Reviews, Feminist Foreign Policy was recommended a top book for 2023's favorite foreign policy books.

Coalition builders, System Disruptors, and Unapologetic Feminists Addressing the Root Causes of Oppression

From Equality Now's Feminist Culture Club in August of 2023, Feminist Foreign Policy in Theory and Practice was recommended as a top book that acts as a megaphone for women's rights.

Standing for People's Rights, is one of the most reliable daily news outlets in Bangladesh

Reviewed by Dr. Matiur Rahman, the Deputy Executive Director of TMSS, a Non-Government Development Social Organization of Bangladesh.

This year Feminist Foreign Policy (FFP) celebrates 10 years as an actual foreign policy implemented by certain countries

Reviewed by Malena Rosen Sundstrom of Lund University in Sweden who says the book is well-structured and is an interesting read to anyone interested in FFP or gender -equality.

Take Action: Fighting for Women and Girls

Have you ever wondered how you can make a difference in the lives of women and girls? In response to the frequent question, "What can I do in my daily life to advocate for women and girls?" I wrote Take Action: Fighting for Women and Girls. This book is designed to be a comprehensive toolkit for advocacy, providing practical steps and actionable advice to help you become an effective advocate.

Key Sections:
The Power and Importance of Education:
Discover the transformative impact of education on the lives of women and girls. This section explores ways to support educational initiatives, promote literacy, and ensure equal access to learning opportunities.

Expanding Economic Opportunities:
Learn how to contribute to the economic empowerment of women. This section covers strategies for supporting women-owned businesses, advocating for fair wages, and promoting financial independence.

Eliminating Gender-Based Violence:
Understand the crucial steps needed to combat gender-based violence. This section provides insights into prevention, support for survivors, and ways to challenge and change harmful cultural norms.

Participating in Politics and Public Life:
Explore the importance of women's participation in politics and public decision-making. This section offers guidance on how to support female candidates, advocate for policy changes, and encourage greater representation of women in leadership roles.

Take Action: Fighting for Women and Girls is more than just a book—it's a call to action. Whether you're a seasoned advocate or just starting, this guide will empower you to make meaningful changes and stand up for the rights of women and girls every day. 

Purchase Your Copy Today!

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Politics & Prose | Bookshop.org

April 5th, 2023 - Take Action: Stop Violence Against Young Women & Girls

October 12, 2022 - Take Action for Girls: International Day of the Girl

Take Action 2021:
A Year in Review

1: Moving Your Career Forward

2: Child & Forced Marriage

3: Equal Pay

4: Women in Politics

Take Action Reels

Sexual Assault Awareness

16 Days of Activism

Advocate of the Year Award

Stephenie Foster has been fighting for women and girls her entire career – She has deep and broad expertise in women’s economic and political empowerment and has consistently used her voice and actions to change discriminatory laws and policies and help shift cultural norms and inequalities.

The Stephenie Foster Advocate of the Year Award (AYA) recognizes the passion, effort and resourcefulness of someone who persistently takes action and fights for equality – strategically overcoming obstacles and challenges that thwart progress and success– on behalf of women and girls.

At the sole discretion of Stephenie Foster, one recipient will be selected annually to be awarded $10,000 plus public recognition for their incredible work and efforts on behalf of women and girls.

2023 Advocate of the Year Awardees

In 2023, the Inaugural Stephenie Foster Advocate of the Year Award recognized three remarkable individuals and organizations for their outstanding dedication and contributions to their respective causes.

Christina Lowery, the CEO of Girl Rising, was the Advocate of the Year for 2023. Christina’s visionary leadership and advocacy have spearheaded global efforts to break barriers to education for girls, inspiring transformative change on a monumental scale.

Angela Patton, CEO of Girls for a Change, and Diania Pimenta, with the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) Florida, were runners-up. Angela’s tireless efforts with Girls for a Change have empowered countless “at-promise” young African-American women and girls, fostering their personal growth and leadership skills. Diania’s impactful work within GFWC Florida significantly advanced women’s rights and community development initiatives.

These awardees exemplify the spirit of Stephenie Foster’s intent, embodying compassion, resilience, and unwavering commitment to social progress and a more equitable world.

“It is a true honor to be one of the inaugural recipients of the Stephenie Foster Advocacy Award. Collaborating with Stephenie and her team has been a rewarding experience, allowing us to showcase the global work we are advancing at Girl Rising to change the way the world values girls and their education. The award gift will impact girls and young women in over five countries and contribute to creating greater opportunities for them. We are thankful to Stephenie for her generosity, and also as a role model and pioneer. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with her to raise awareness about the critical importance of supporting girls and women.”
Christina Lowery
CEO, Girl Rising

The 2nd Annual Stephenie Foster Advocate of the Year Award

Do you know a colleague, friend or advocate whose dedicated work has made strides towards greater equality? Consider nominating them for the Stephenie Foster Advocate of the Year Award (AYA).

Take Action will present the AYA to an individual who has made a significant impact with outstanding work in the fight for women and girls. This Award will highlight the critical work, innovative solutions, unique collaborations, and strategic efforts that are creating a more gender-equitable world. The Advocate of the Year Awardee will receive a $10,000 award ($7,500 for their 501(c)3 Organization and $2,500 for the advocate to use as they desire). The award also includes optional leadership skills training and strategic project advice.

The Stephenie Foster Advocate of the Year Award and monetary gift is granted at the sole discretion of Stephenie Foster.

Award Parameters:

  • U.S. resident or permanent resident
  • Demonstrated action fighting for women and girls in the United States through a program, initiative or individual leadership
  • While work conducted on behalf of large organizations is admired and critical, this particular award gives precedence to individuals advocating without resources and support normally granted to larger entities

How to Apply or Nominate Someone:

To submit a nomination for the AYA please complete the online nomination form by clicking below. Self nominations are accepted. We made the application brief with only 10 open-ended questions, but please allow yourself 20 minutes or so to complete. The more supporting details you can provide, the stronger the application.