Feminist Foreign Policy and Its Applicability to the Nigerian Context: A Comparative Analysis

This study examines the concept of feminist foreign policy, as operationalised by Sweden, Canada, and other adopting states, and assesses its analytical and policy applicability to the Nigerian foreign policy context, identifying areas of alignment, tension, and potential adaptation. Feminist foreign policy represents a systematic effort to centre gender equality, women's empowerment, and feminist norms in the design and execution of a state's international relations. Drawing on feminist international relations theory and comparative foreign policy analysis, this research conducts a critical examination of existing feminist foreign policy frameworks and assesses Nigeria's foreign policy record on gender through the lens of key indicators including women's representation in diplomacy, gender-responsive aid policy, and positions on international gender rights instruments. The study employs a qualitative comparative methodology, drawing on official feminist foreign policy documents from Sweden and Canada, Nigeria's gender policy documentation, UN Women assessments, and interviews with Nigerian gender diplomacy advocates. A particular focus is placed on the North East and North West zones, where gender inequality indicators are most severe and where foreign policy engagement on gender issues has direct humanitarian implications. Findings are expected to show that while a fully adopted feminist foreign policy remains institutionally and politically distant in Nigeria, selective adaptation of its tools is both feasible and strategically advantageous. Keywords: feminist foreign policy, gender equality, Nigeria, comparative analysis, women in diplomacy.