*Problem*
Speaking from a European point of view, gender-related foreign policy concepts all too often seek to impose a Euro-centric approach based on pre-conceived ideas of what gender equality in a given context looks like. Such a static view hopes to affect change by importing structures/ideas from Europe to other socio-political contexts, with the result that these structures are ignored or rejected by the local population, rendering the policy approach ineffective.

*Solution*
Taking advantage of local knowledge. Rather than trying to apply inappropriate "best practices" gleaned from European experiences in, say, Kenya, local pre-existing NGOs/initiatives should be actively supported. Locals engaged with them know the local laws, socio-cultural norms, the specific "way of doing" things, as well as the political environment. That way, pitfalls resulting from a lack of knowledge about the environment can be avoided.

Support can take the form supplying funds, modern hardware and help with collecting and analysing data. This allows local actors (eg. the aforementioned NGOs) to develop means to promote grass-roots exchanges, working the necessary points in the system to make a difference.

Another key advantage of this is the fact that EU countries can avoid criticism of being engaged in neo-colonial activities, thereby increasing acceptance of the local NGOs work.