On November 6, 2025, join us as we celebrate Jennifer Cate, Executive Director of Hands Along the Nile Development Services, and explore how women’s empowerment and cross-cultural partnerships drive lasting change.
This year’s Advocate of the Year Program will feature a powerful conversation with distinguished leaders from Egypt and beyond—bridging voices, sharing stories, and building a more equitable future together.
Learn more about the 2025 program HERE.
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 an advocate 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.
The Library of Oral Histories of U.S. Diplomacy in Afghanistan, recently released by the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training (ADST), captures the voices and experiences of American diplomats who served in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2024. This unique collection preserves first-hand perspectives on the challenges, achievements, and lessons learned during one of the most complex periods in modern U.S. foreign policy.
Stephenie Foster’s interview, conducted in March 2024 by Robin Matthewman for the ADST’s Foreign Affairs Oral History Program, reflects on her diplomatic service in Afghanistan and the broader impact of U.S. efforts to support women and girls.
Explore the complete Library of Oral Histories HERE and read Stephenie’s full interview HERE.
Stephenie Foster’s groundbreaking book, Feminist Foreign Policy: In Theory & In Practice, is making waves in international security debates. Recently referenced by The Center for International Security in their article on gender transformation in global policy, her work continues to inspire a fresh look at feminist approaches in diplomacy and defense.
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:
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 Stephenie Foster Advocate of the Year Award honors an individual in the United States who is creating real, lasting change for women and girls. Founded by Stephenie Foster, a lifelong advocate, diplomat, and author, the award shines a light on everyday champions whose bold leadership and strategic advocacy are breaking down barriers, shifting norms, and building a more equitable future.
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!
This curated list highlights the most compelling new feminist theory eBooks to read in 2025, including Feminist Foreign Policy in Theory & in Practice. It offers thought-provoking reads for anyone interested in gender equity, global policy, and social justice.
This review of Feminist Foreign Policy in Theory and in Practice: An Introduction provides a thoughtful analysis of the book’s contribution to the evolving discourse on gender equality in global policymaking, highlighting its theoretical foundations and real-world applications.
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.
From Interruptrr's 2023 Book List Reviews, Feminist Foreign Policy was recommended a top book for 2023's favorite foreign policy books.
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.
Reviewed by Dr. Matiur Rahman, the Deputy Executive Director of TMSS, a Non-Government Development Social Organization of Bangladesh.
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!
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. The Award includes:
🔹 $10,000 Award
🔹 Public recognition and national visibility for their work and mission
🔹 A platform to share their story and inspire others
🔹 Opportunities to connect with a broader network of advocates and changemakers
We are proud to recognize Jennifer Cate, Executive Director of Hands Along the Nile Development Services (HANDS), as the 2025 Stephenie Foster Advocate of the Year Award recipient.
Jennifer leads a U.S.-based nonprofit that partners with local organizations in Egypt to raise the quality of life in underserved communities. Through this work, HANDS empowers women and girls by offering literacy programs, microloans, entrepreneurship mentoring, and leadership development for community leaders.
The 2024 Stephenie Foster Advocate of the Year Award was presented to Shabana Basij-Rasikh, co-founder and president of the School of Leadership, Afghanistan (SOLA)—the country’s first and only boarding school for girls.
When the Taliban returned to power in 2021, Shabana courageously led the evacuation of SOLA’s entire school community to Rwanda, ensuring Afghan girls could continue their education in safety. Her leadership has earned global recognition, including Afghanistan’s Malalai Medal, Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Asia, and the Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year (2023). She is also a Carnegie Distinguished Fellow at Columbia University’s Institute of Global Politics and a Washington Post Global Opinions contributor.
Shabana’s resilience and vision embody the mission of the Advocate of the Year Award—driving equality and opportunity through education and advocacy, even in the face of immense adversity.
In 2023, the inaugural Advocate of the Year Award recognized Christina Lowery, CEO of Girl Rising, whose visionary leadership has broken barriers to girls’ education worldwide, inspiring change on a monumental scale.
2023 Runners-Up:
These inaugural awardees embody compassion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to social progress and gender equity.
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).
Stephenie Foster 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.
