Fair procurement for the public sector - Gender-responsive procurement

A large construction site with a young engineer in yellow work clothes
© FEMNET ⁇ Stefan Klübert

Fair, transparent, digital

Women are particularly affected by discrimination and violence in the world of work worldwide – gender equality has so far played little role in public procurement. At the same time, transparency is a key factor for sustainable and resilient supply chains. We show how municipalities can embed gender-responsive criteria in procurement procedures and at the same time promote transparency.

As contracting authorities, municipalities have an influence on fair working conditions along global supply chains. They can specify, through award criteria and requirements for companies, that social standards and equality are taken into account.

FEMNET supports procurers, sustainability and gender equality officers in developing gender-responsive and transparent award criteria and implementing them in a practical way. Together with municipalities, FEMNET develops concrete solutions and formulation aids that make it easier to anchor equality and transparent supply chains in procurement procedures.

A digital tool also facilitates verification, creates transparency and makes fair procurement more efficient. This creates long-term structures with which municipalities can systematically integrate gender equality into their procurement practices.

Our goals:

  1. Procurement managers are made aware of gender-responsible criteria and transparency in supply chains.
  2. Municipalities recognize new opportunities for action and use the developed templates for their fair awards.
  3. Strategies to promote equality in the supply chain will be strengthened.
  4. Digital tools and practical formats facilitate the implementation of fair procurement.

Our offers

Workshop with Rosa Grabe


Workshops: From idea to practice: Thinking about fair procurement together

In our workshops, we bring together municipal procurers, equality and sustainability officers to share knowledge and learn from each other. FEMNET shows in a practical way how equality, transparency and fair working conditions can be anchored in tenders – from initial steps to concrete implementation aids. The participants gain insights into current developments and get to know successful practical examples. This creates new scope for action for municipalities that want to jointly promote fair and gender-responsive procurement.

WORKSHOPS FOR PUBLIC CONTRACTORS


Advice: Embedding gender equality in the supply chain in procurement

In 2026, with the impulses from a survey in 10 municipalities and the lessons learned from two workshops, we are launching a pilot project together with the city of Fürth to test concrete approaches to gender equality in the supply chain in practice. Interested municipalities are welcome to contact us at any time. At the end of 2026, we also invite you to a workshop in which we will present the results and experiences of the pilot project.

CONSULTATIONS FOR YOUR PROCESSING PROCEDURE


Networking: With international experts in public fair awarding

We network with experts from procurement and consultancy offices in Sweden, Norway, England, Scotland, Belgium and the Netherlands and bring the latest developments back into the German network. If you have any questions or would like to network, please contact us!

Procure with professionals at your side

Further information