Blessy Mathew, a Ph.D. scholar working under the supervision of Dr. Anagha Ingole from the Department of Political Science, School of Social Sciences, University of Hyderabad (UoH), has completed a three-month immersive online international winter school program- Feminist Foreign Policy Fellowship, conducted by The Asia Foundation, Centre for International Relations and Strategic Studies, and the Gender Impact Studies Centre (GISC) and IMRPI Impact and Policy Research Institute.
Blessy Mathew
This intensive program provided a multidisciplinary perspective on feminist foreign policy (FFP), addressing global governance, security, diplomacy, migration, refugees and human rights through a gendered lens. The fellowship brought together scholars, policymakers, and practitioners from diverse backgrounds to engage in critical discussions on the intersection of feminism and international relations, particularly in the Global South. Blessy actively participated in lectures, interactive workshops, and policy-oriented discussions throughout the program, deepening her understanding of gender-sensitive approaches in diplomacy and governance. The course also emphasised the importance of intersectionality, inclusivity, and grassroots activism in shaping foreign policy frameworks. This experience has further enriched Blessy’s ongoing research on gendered dimensions of statelessness. She aims to integrate FFP principles into her work, advocating for stronger protections and policy interventions for stateless women in South Asia.