Astarte actively encourages the submission of policy briefs that translate scholarly research into actionable insights for decision-makers, practitioners, and advocates.

The journal welcomes work that informs and influences policy agendas on gender and LGBTQ+ justice, including but not limited to:

• Reproductive rights and ecological sustainability
• Social and economic inequalities are linked to class, caste, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, and sexual diversity.
• Women’s and LGBTQ+ health, inclusion, and representation
• Economic empowerment and labour equity
• Political participation and leadership
• Gender-based and sexual violence
• Rights and representation of women and girls with disabilities
• Gender, sexuality, and inclusion in STEAM disciplines

A policy brief is a strategic tool that distils rigorous research into a concise, accessible format aimed at shaping public policy, institutional practice, and advocacy.
 Publishing a policy brief in Astarte provides an opportunity to engage with:

• Governments and policymakers are developing frameworks for gender and equality.
• International and regional organisations such as the UN, EU, WHO, ILO, and ILGA.
• NGOs, INGOs, and civil society organisations committed to justice and inclusion.
• Academic and activist networks working at the intersection of theory and practice.

Policy briefs published in Astarte may emerge from:

• Research findings with clear social, political, or economic implications.
• Developments in law, technology, or social policy that require ethical or feminist analysis.
• Innovative practices in industry, education, or community initiatives that advance equality and justice.

Policymakers and advocates are rarely academics. Your policy brief should therefore communicate with clarity, precision, and relevance. To achieve this:
●    Keep your writing concise (no more than 1,500 words including figures and tables).
●    Focus on results, implications, and recommendations rather than detailed theory or methodology.
●    Use clear and accessible language—avoid jargon, long sentences, and unnecessary citations.
●    Define the problem concisely and explain why it is significant.
●    Assess and summarise evidence from multiple credible sources.
●    Present policy options or actions logically and persuasively.
●    Reflect diverse perspectives, noting the social impact of your recommendations across gender, class, culture, and region.

Policy briefs should be concise, clear, and compelling. Below is the recommended structure for submission to Astarte:

1. Headline

Choose a title that is memorable, specific, and impactful. It should convey the essence of your brief and capture the attention of policymakers and advocates.

2. Executive Summary (100–250 words)

A clear overview to orient busy readers. Summarize:

• The purpose of the brief
• The central problem
• Key findings and evidence
• Main recommendations or actions

Bullet points are encouraged for brevity and clarity.

3. Introduction (100–150 words)

In 4–5 sentences, describe:

• The policy problem or gap your brief addresses
• Why is it urgent or significant
• The scope and context of your analysis
• The structure or logic of your brief

4. Findings and Analysis (500–1,000 words)

Present your policy position supported by evidence and argumentation. Demonstrate understanding of:

• The current policy landscape and its limitations
• Empirical or theoretical insights that justify your recommendation
• The impact of your proposal on stakeholders and systems

Use subheadings to guide the reader, and incorporate:

1. Relevant data, key facts, or statistics (preferably visualised through figures or charts)
2. Recent and authoritative sources
3. Perspectives from academia, government, civil society, and business sectors
4. Minimal methodological detail—focus on clarity and policy relevance

5. Implications (100–200 words)

Outline the potential consequences of your findings. Discuss possible courses of action under current or alternative policy conditions.

6. Recommendations (300–500 words)

This is the core of your brief. Clearly articulate what should be done, by whom, and how.

• Provide specific, actionable recommendations.
• Note who will be affected, potential benefits, and cost implications.
• Make recommendations that are both memorable and practical, ready for citation or advocacy use.

7. References and Further Reading

List sources cited and recommended for additional context. Use the APA 7th edition style consistently and include open-access references where possible, so policymakers can easily follow up.

8. Contact Information

Provide your professional contact details (email, institutional affiliation, and a short biography footnote) and be prepared to share supplementary materials or data upon request.