What do you say about a country where parents get a year’s paid parental leave, where fathers’ pushing prams mid-afternoon is a common sight, and where inclusion is a principle, not merely a vision. I recently visited Sweden for two days of events around the theme of feminism. One could only lament how far India has yet to travel when it comes to equal rights, especially for women. The Swedes, of course, are not complacent and know they still have battles to fight when it comes to equal pay and women executives in private companies.

But the topic at water coolers and cafes centred around the meeting point of feminism and policy. Margot Wallström, the foreign minister, has said that under her leadership Sweden will become the only country in the world to conduct a ‘feminist foreign policy’, which is to be based on “representation, resources, and respect”. This piques interest, but what will it mean at a fundamental level?

The Swedes are slowly finding out and not everyone is pleased. Wallström cancelled a major arms deal with Saudi Arabia after she was blocked from talking about women’s right at a gathering of the Arab League. Leading business persons responded by publishing a statement urging the government not to sever ties with Saudi Arabia. Wallström has clearly shown that she prioritises gender equality over all else. The stand is laudable. But is it practical? Will she cut ties with India because of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code? It is a law that disallows and even criminalises inclusion. It does not allow for ‘differences’. To be a feminist is not only to believe in the equality of men and women, but also men, women, transgenders and others. We have much to learn from Sweden about opportunities and rights, but feminist foreign policy is probably better in theory than practice.

Nandini Nair, Assistant Editor

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