GIZ Gender WebsiteIn January 2025, GIZ introduced its new implementation concept “Feminist Quality in Context,” setting a qualitative standard for realising Germany’s Feminist Development Policy. While recent efforts successfully increased the number of gender-mainstreamed projects (GE1/GE2), this concept focuses on deepening quality – ensuring that feminist core elements are not just present, but meaningful and context-sensitive.
At its heart, the concept outlines how to integrate gender-transformative approaches (GTA), intersectionality (IS), and human rights-based approaches (HRBA) across all sectors and regions. It emphasises inclusive partnerships, local expertise, and a post-colonial perspective reflecting the complex realities of development cooperation.
The concept outlines key success criteria idenfitied through an analysis of GIZ’s portfolio and our experiences from the implementation. Among others, these include:
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Engaging diverse stakeholders – from feminist civil society to the private sector.
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Framing feminist values contextually – using locally relevant language and aligning with partner priorities.
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Creating safe spaces for dialogue – especially in fragile settings.
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Building internal gender competence – through training, data use, and leadership commitment.
By aligning practice with the core feminist principles of rights, resources, and representation – and adapting them to local and political contexts – this concept guides GIZ in delivering gender equality with credibility, resilience, and lasting impact. 2025_GIZ_Feminist Quality in Context_Implementation Concept