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15 May 2023 Feminist development policy: Classification of the BMZ strategy paper

The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation published its strategy paper ‘Feminist Development Policy – Towards a Just and Strong Society Worldwide’ in March 2023, having already presented guidance on the topic at the beginning of 2022. FEMNET had commented critically. The new strategy paper now provides further elements to help tackle gender inequality. Can this improve the working conditions of workers in the clothing industry?

The aim is to provide women and girls with the same access to resources as men, and to counteract unequal power relations between the Global South and the Global North, according to the paper presented by Minister Schulze at the beginning of March. While the guidelines attributed the disadvantage of women and girls in particular to patriarchal and cultural norms, the strategy paper highlights another essential component of unequal power relations: The consequences of colonialism. These are the basis for various forms of discrimination against women and girls. At the same time, the BMZ critically examines classic role models. These clear statements about asymmetric power relations between the Global North and the Global South stand out positively from the first draft of the guidelines.

Reasons for power asymmetries: Colonialism, neoliberalism and patriarchal structures

At the same time, the strategy ignores essential dependencies that have arisen from neoliberal globalization since the 1970s. Especially with regard to the textile industry, the influence and power of multinational corporations are essential when it comes to the poor socio-economic living situation of workers.

In addition, too little attention is paid to the link between neoliberal economic structures and prevailing patriarchal structures. Furthermore, due to their social status, women have less access to education or economic resources and are largely responsible for care work. However, they often have to seek their economic basis outside their family structures without stable care structures in an unregulated, capitalist labour market. However, since these jobs do not offer a lasting perspective or social security, they do not provide women with a stable livelihood, either in patriarchal or capitalist structures.

With regard to the FEMNET focus of the textile and clothing industry, it is noticeable that few concrete approaches are mentioned to improve the working conditions of textile workers. It is also difficult to transform deep-seated patriarchal power relations if appropriate measures have to fit into rigid project planning.

Against this background, we strongly recommend improving the BMZ's strategy on feminist development policy with regard to our focus on women in the clothing industry and corporate responsibility.