Feminist Development Policy

FEMNET-Koordinatorin Daniela Wawrzyniak zu Besuch bei der indischen Frauengewerkschaft GLU — © FEMNET

Feminist development cooperation strives for far more than previous development goals. Her focus is on the targeted promotion of women*, girls* and marginalized groups in order to overcome gender inequalities and promote gender equality. The aim is not only to improve general living conditions, but also to fundamentally change social and economic structures.

The discrimination of women*, girls* and FLINTA people (women, lesbians, intersex, non-binary, trans and agender people) results from profound social and patriarchal structures. Improving the living conditions of women*, here and in the Global South, therefore means not only supporting women* and girls* to a special degree, but also specifically striving to overcome male domination and the abolition of gender-specific social norms and traditional role models. The approach of feminist development cooperation subsequently goes beyond previous development policy strategies by focusing on gender equality and the abolition of unequal power relations as a central goal.

Feminist Development Cooperation

is an approach in the field of international development that aims to overcome gender inequalities and promote gender equality. The focus is on the special promotion of women and girls as well as the fight against patriarchal structures and exploitative economic systems.

Concrete measures include, for example, programmes against gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health initiatives, the expansion of childcare and increased state protection against violence against women*. The global economic order is also critically examined. Neoliberal economic models, globalization and profit maximization are drivers of inequality and injustice. Capitalist economic models are based on the exploitation of cheap labour in producing and developing countries, such as the global textile and clothing industry.

In order to achieve more justice for society as a whole, the feminist development cooperation approach emphasizes the inclusion of women*, girls* and marginalized groups in decision-making processes, access to resources and the strengthening of their rights. It strives for a comprehensive transformation of social, economic and political structures in order to bring about sustainable changes in the sense of a fairer society for all.

Goals of feminist development policy

Women*, girls* and marginalised groups have the same access to education, health care, political decision-making processes and economic resources as men*.
Women*, girls* and marginalised groups are protected from gender-based violence.
Companies and corporations are committed to gender equality and pay fair wages.