The Handbook of Gender and Public Policy seeks to offer a thorough exploration of the complex interplay between gender and public policy. Aimed at providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of this field, it will draw from a wide array of perspectives, methodologies, and empirical evidence sourced from diverse regions and policy sectors worldwide. It will pay particular attention to incorporating perspectives from both the global North and South. Through this, the handbook endeavors to both consolidate existing knowledge and advance our understanding of gender dynamics within policy and policymaking.
Central to the handbook's objectives is its endeavor to showcase the evolving landscape of scholarship in gender and public policy. This involves not only examining contemporary trends and debates but also delving into historical trajectories that have shaped the research field. By exploring the varied theoretical foundations underpinning gender perspectives in public policy, the handbook intends to furnish readers with a sturdy foundation for critically engaging with the complexities inherent in gender(ed) policy and policymaking processes. This entails not only showcasing different bodies of work within the field, such as feminist theory, intersectionality, and critical perspectives, but also illuminating how gender norms, power dynamics, and structural inequalities intersect to influence policy formulation and its outcomes.
A key feature of the handbook is its integrated approach to addressing questions of gender and intersectionality. Rather than treating intersectionality as a separate theme or section, it is woven throughout the book as an essential dimension of the systematic study of gender and public policy. This approach underscores the handbook's commitment to a holistic and nuanced analysis of how intersecting identities and inequalities shape and are shaped by public policy.
Furthermore, the handbook aims to address pressing questions concerning the efficacy of policy in promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion. It will examine how policy and policymaking processes have historically either marginalized or empowered diverse gender identities and experiences, spanning critical overviews of thematic areas like welfare, reproductive rights, environmental politics, and criminal justice. Through this exploration, the handbook will shed light on both the successes and shortcomings of existing policy approaches in addressing gender disparities. It will also address the impact of COVID-19 and gender(ed) policy responses to the pandemic, and pay special attention to recent technological developments, including AI, and their potential gender biases.
An additional key focus of the handbook is bridging the gap between theory and practice. By providing insights into how gender knowledge interfaces with policy practice, the handbook will offer a nuanced understanding of how theoretical frameworks translate into tangible policy interventions. From discussions on gender mainstreaming initiatives to analyses of targeted policy interventions aimed at
advancing gender equity, the handbook will showcase both the potential and challenges inherent in operationalizing gender policy expertise in real-world policymaking contexts.
Beyond its relevance to policy scholars, the handbook is poised to serve as an invaluable resource for educators and students alike, especially given the increasing need for gender perspectives in public policy curriculum and pedagogy. Each chapter is crafted to facilitate critical engagement and to foster a deeper understanding of the reciprocal relationship between gender and policy. By offering an overview of diverse perspectives and methodologies, the handbook aims to equip future policymakers and scholars with the necessary tools to navigate the complex terrain of gender and public policy.
Overall, the Palgrave Handbook of Gender and Public Policy aspires to be a landmark contribution to the field. By synthesizing cutting-edge research, theoretical insights, and critical reflection on academic practice, it aims to inspire new avenues of inquiry and support the continued development of inclusive and equitable scholarship and policy practice in this domain for years to come.
Content:
This handbook will include 45 chapters; among these chapters will be full length chapters and others will be shorter overviews of research developed in key thematic areas. The handbook will be organized into five parts preceded by an introduction that will introduce the central theme of gender and policy study, contextualize its evolution and theoretical pluralism, and discuss the importance of its relation to practice. It will also describe how the five parts of the volume are connected.
The five parts of the book will include: (I) Historical evolution and theoretical traditions; (II) Gender, public policy and institutions; (III) Gender and public policy practice; (IV) Key thematic areas; (V) Gender and Policy: a global perspective.
Call Focus:
For this call for chapter contributions, we are specifically interested in chapters that address the following thematic issues:

I: Mapping a Diverse & Dynamic Field
▪Gender and Public Policy: Historical perspectives and recent innovations
▪Intersectionality and public policy
▪Queering public policies
▪Race and gender in public policy

II: Gender, Public Policy & Institutions
▪Feminist institutionalism and public policy
▪Gender, representation and public policy
▪Gender policy and political leadership: The executive
▪The judicial politics of gender policy
▪Gender and public policy in the European Union (EU)

III: Gender and Public Policy Practice

▪Gender and the policy agenda: from problem definition to agenda setting
▪Gender in policy formulation: Gendering policy design
▪Gender budgeting: Integrating gender perspectives into Budgetary processes
▪Gender Expertise, gender training and public policy
▪Gender equality policy rowback and backlash
▪Gender in the academy: Reflections on 'doing' gender and policy in universities
▪Pedagogical approaches to teaching gender and public policy

IV: Thematic State of the Art

▪Gender and reproductive policy
▪Gender equality and gender mainstreaming
▪Queer and Transgender issues in public policy
▪Gendered violence and harassment policy
▪Gender and criminal justice
▪Gender and migration policy
▪Gender and health policy: Perspectives from the pandemic and beyond
▪Gender and indigenous people's policy
▪Gender and Development programs

V: Gender & Public Policy: a global perspective

▪Gender and global public policy
▪Gender and public policy in Africa and the Middle East
▪Gender and public policy in Central and Latin America
▪Gender and public policy in the Pacific
▪Gender and public policy in Central and Eastern Europe

We particularly encourage contributions that offer interdisciplinary perspectives; present empirical studies or theoretical advancements; highlight innovative methodologies or frameworks; and / or provide insights from diverse geographic, cultural, or professional contexts.
Submission Guidelines:
Contributors are invited to submit proposals for chapters that align with the book's theme.
▪Abstract Submission: please submit an abstract of 250–300 words outlining your proposed chapter’s objectives, methodology, and key findings.
▪Deadline for Abstracts: Jan. 15, 2025
▪Notification of Acceptance: Jan. 30, 2025
▪Full Chapter Submission: Fall 2025
▪Chapter Length: chapters should be max. 8,000 words including references.

Submission Process:
Please send your abstract to o.g.el-taliawi@utwente.nl with the subject line “Palgrave Handbook of Gender and Public Policy: Proposed Chapter Title”. Include:
•Name, affiliation, and contact details.
•A brief bio (max.150 words).
Editorial Team:
The volume will be edited by Ola G. El-Taliawi, Assistant Professor of Public Administration and Policy Science, University of Twente; Emily St. Denny, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, University of Copenhagen; and Helen Sullivan, Dean of the College of Asia and the Pacific, The Australian National University.
Publisher Details:
This volume is under contract with Palgrave Macmillan.
Why Contribute?:
This edited volume will:
•Showcase cutting-edge research and ideas.
•Provide contributors with an opportunity to share their work with a global audience.
•Feature contributions from leading scholars and practitioners in the field.

Contact Information:
For any questions or further details, please contact o.g.el-taliawi@utwente.nl or ed@ifs.ku.dk