Mapping the Debate of Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy

Abstract

The 2017 implementation of Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP) marked an important step towards gender-focused foreign aid. The policy has since generated a robust debate regarding its effectiveness and soundness in reducing poverty and creating a more peaceful and secure world. This paper evaluates the debate on the FIAP by identifying and organizing the primary arguments that have surfaced.

The debate is organized into three main categories. The first category explores the discourse surrounding the policy development stage of the FIAP. The second category focuses on policy effectiveness specifically regarding monitoring, reporting, and evaluation. The last category presents the main strengths and weaknesses of the theoretical approach of the FIAP and considers its theoretical integrity. The purpose of the mapping exercise is to create a roadmap to facilitate the understanding of the main successes and failures of the policy and in the long term, contribute to the policy improvement processes.

Mapping the policy debate is a beneficial exercise for gaining clarity on the key strengths and weaknesses of the FIAP. By methodically outlining these components, policymakers, practitioners, stakeholders, and implementation partners can achieve a thorough grasp of the issues, pinpoint areas of agreement and contention, and identify obstacles to consensus or action. This approach can support informed decision-making, integrate diverse perspectives, enhance transparency and accountability, and ultimately foster the creation of stronger and more effective policies that cater to the needs and interests of all parties involved. This paper seeks to contribute to the improvement of future international assistance policies by creating a roadmap for better understanding the factors that are contributing to the successes and failures of Canada’s international assistance.