Local Feminist Perspectives as Levers for Transformation in Partner Countries

Are you wondering how feminist grassroots movements work towards gender equality and how we can learn from them?

Read our newly published research emanating from the GIZ-initiated measure ‘Local Feminist Perspectives as Levers for Transformation in Partner Countries’ (LOCAFEM)!

The synthesis study and context-specific studies from Ghana, Ukraine, and India give unique insights on local feminists approaches and their role in leveraging transformation towards greater gender equality.

The results of this project were discussed with experts during the final conference in Berlin end of March 2025, with inputs from IDOS, GIZ, BMZ, Gender in Detail (Ukraine), Gender Studies and Human Rights Documentation Centre (Ghana), Goa Institute of Management (India), and SWP.

Key insights and recommendations from the project are:

The studies highlight the crucial role of feminist actors in promoting intersectional and human rights-based approaches. Based on these findings, IDOS formulated the following recommendations:

1. Invest in gender-responsive infrastructure:

The Ukraine case calls for funding childcare, care facilities, shelters, and support centres for survivors of gender-based violence to ensure equal access to resources.

2. Expand research and data collection:

The India study stresses the need for better data on gender inequalities – with attention to intersections such as religion, caste, and gender.

3. Map feminist movements:

Across all studies, there is a clear need for research on local feminist movements (e.g., in the fields of health, climate justice, and gender-transformative policy approaches).

4. Promote a nuanced understanding of feminism(s):

All studies emphasise the importance of intersectional and inclusive feminist perspectives, including digital activism and strategies to combat gender-based violence. Better representation of women and deeper analysis of anti-gender and anti-democratic movements are also needed. Stronger exchange between academia, policy, and civil society is essential.

5. Strengthen feminist networks through flexible funding:

The Ghana case recommends more flexible, long-term funding mechanisms that support advocacy and transnational networks beyond project-based formats.

6. Institutionalise context-sensitive feminist policy-making:

Feminist policymaking should prioritize human rights, be institutionally anchored, and remain adaptable to different political contexts.

7. Address gendered time poverty:

All studies call for recognition and reduction of unpaid care work through targeted policy measures and social protection systems.

Bringing together the insights from Ghana, India, and Ukraine made one thing clear: local feminist actors bring deep knowledge and strategic insights from local contexts. Their systematic inclusion in analysis, dialogue, and implementation is not just valuable – it is essential for sound policy making and actions based on evidence.

To make this possible, we need spaces for reflection, resources for implementation, and above all, a mindset that recognises diverse feminist perspectives as a key to more just and effective development cooperation.