Research Papers

This abstract proposes a research paper which explores the purpose and consequences of gender equality promotion in EU foreign policies towards Africa. The proposed paper contends that the recent promotion of gender equality as a foreign policy objective is part of the broader attempt to transform existing EU-Africa relations in the hope of transforming lives in Africa. Yet, does this broader attempt further the actual goal of gender equality in Africa? In particular, the paper is interested in whether the new interregional framework aimed at transformation hinders or bolsters gender equality in Africa. As part of the broader discourse on transforming exisiting relations between Europe and Africa, this paper will examine the EU’s gender equality strategies in Africa with emphasis on EU support for Africa-led gender equality strategies. It will primarily examine the interregional interactions on gender equality in the context of the 2007 Joint Africa-EU Strategy (JAES). This paper will contribute to studies on the constraints and opportunities of region-to-region interactions, while highlighting a unique feature of the EU’s external relations. The overarching aim of this paper is to gain further insight into the interregional dimension of the international relations especially in the area of gender equality and women’s empowerment.