For local ownership (in feminist foreign policy), domestic support is inevitable. For a "right" reflection of local dynamics or needs, an initiative needs to be driven by (female) local actors.

Local ownership exists at each of the layers of provision (state, non-state and local). Owners may include national and local governments, non-state actors, economic elites, political classes, civil society, people that are not represented and non-organised groups. Within each of these categories, there are ‘insiders’ and ‘outsiders’ – those who have access to political and economic influence and those who do not.

For local ownership in feminist foreign policy, domestic support is inevitable. For a„right“ reflection of local dynamics and/or needs and a consequetntly successfull implementation and/or sustainabilty, an initiative needs to be driven by domestic actors.

It should be kept in mind that local ownership is more difficult to „practice“ in conflict zones or fragile states. Representative governments are not existent, institutions are weak and capacities can be limited.

The following challenges for local ownership in feminist foreign policy exist:

  • A) Limited capacities (especially in fragile states and countries effected by conflict)
  • B) Local elites, often counterparts to donors who received their education in the             Western Hemisphere try to „please“ local (or international) donors
  • C) Local ownership may not be readily identifiable or coherent at the point at which donors decide to engage
  • D) Possible lower level of education of female citizens
  • E) Underrepresentation of local female decision makers in (foreign) politics
  • F) Lack of support for local elections for female politicians

The following measures could be taken to tackle the challenges of absence of local ownership in a feminist foreign policy

  • A) Efficient support (financial, labour) by international organisation in coordination with foreigen NGOs acting on the ground
  • B) Monitoring of implementation of the initiative should go beyond the monotoring by the donor organisation. Other local and/or international NGOs and International Organisations should be involved in the moniroting process. In addition to that, the monitoring process should follow guidelines, wich are developed by different local and international actors
  • C) Programmes should be designed with local ownership in mind, with an inception phase that allows donors to develop their understanding of the political context and identify local drivers of reform
  • D) Estabish education programmes that support political particiation for girls and women. In addition to that, offer young women the opportunity to study abroad
  • E) Develope mentoring programmes between local female politicians andwomen in their early career or mid-career level