A Feminist Technology Diplomacy to Govern AI

Our new policy brief, authored by Dr. Elise Stephenson and developed in collaboration with GWL Voices, argues that feminist technology diplomacy offers a critical framework for governing artificial intelligence in ways that are ethical, inclusive, and aligned with principles of justice and equality. The research calls for moving beyond technical risk management toward governance approaches that explicitly recognize power asymmetries, embed gender equality, and center human dignity across the full AI lifecycle.

The policy brief examines how current AI governance models continue to overlook gendered impacts across data production, labor practices, ownership structures, deployment contexts, and broader social outcomes. These gaps risk reinforcing structural bias, enabling technology-facilitated gender-based violence, and deepening global power asymmetries in digital systems.

In response, the paper identifies a set of key opportunities for global collaboration to advance gender-responsive and feminist approaches to AI governance, including:

• Breaking down gender and AI policy siloes through gender impact assessments and institutional coordination
• Aligning AI innovation with gender-responsive regulation and incentives
• Proactively using AI to reduce discrimination and eliminate inequality and bias

The policy brief was officially launched during the GWL Voices Dialogue 2026, which convened women leaders from across regions and sectors to discuss the future of global governance in an era of rapid technological change. It also launches a new CGC research line centered on women and technology. 

Read the full report here.