Feminism, the Women's Movement and the Internationalisation of Gender Equality Policy: The Case of 'Gender Mainstreaming'

Abstract

Gender mainstreaming represents a significant change in the policy and practice of the Irish state on gender issues. This article examines the role of the women's movement in developing the theory and practice surrounding gender mainstreaming in the Republic of Ireland. It, therefore, critically examines the extent to which non-governmental organizations are involved in the adoption and implementation of internationally driven policy at domestic level. Gender mainstreaming is currently being implemented in over 100 countries around the globe. By tracing its origins to the International Women's Movement this article seeks to identify mainstreaming as a feminist project. In doing so, it draws on feminist theory, particularly on the work of feminists theorizing the international, to examine how a public policy conceived in a social movement percolates into official policy-making systems through international organizations.