Development and
Cooperation

Overview

Gender equality

Empowering women and girls is crucial to achieving gender justice.

 

A woman in Iran is protesting for her rights.

Enforcing women’s rights

In many countries worldwide, women are facing discriminating laws. They have fewer opportunities to develop and receive less pay for the same work. All over the world, women are asserting themselves, but change is slow. There are setbacks as well, for example in Afghanistan, where the misogynist Taliban have taken over the regime.

Ending all forms of discrimination against women and girls by 2030 is the fifth UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). According to the United Nations, gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but necessary for peace, economic development and sustainability on an international level. Not only should women and girls be equal to men before the law, but gender equality should also permeate everyday life. Where this is not the case, negative impacts on society as a whole emerge. 

Content

    Recent articles

    New contributions on gender justice

    Gender equality is one of the core topics of D+C/E+Z. Our authors regularly report on the role of girls and women worldwide. Here you can find current articles related to the topic.

    Sustainable agriculture

    Widows in Zimbabwe rebuild lives through bees and trees

    A honey and tree-planting initiative in rural Zimbabwe is helping widows to gain income and independence. Beekeeping not only protects biodiversity but also builds resilience against climate change.

    Patriarchal societies

    Social oppression

    Deep-rooted patriarchal traditions stand in the way of gender equality. Most power is still in the hands of men. They hold positions of influence - there is no real gender equality in political parliaments as well as in big corporations and organisations. The proportion of women in positions of power is growing, at least in parts of the world. However, barriers in policy and legislation need to be removed to accelerate this process.

     

    Women's rights activists

    “Even though they are in darkness, their hearts are full of hope”

    Graffiti artist Shamsia Hassani once painted colourful murals on the walls and facades of Kabul city. Today, she lives in exile, but she keeps on painting, trying to give hope to the people of her homeland.

    Women in work

    Economic disadvantages

    In many countries, women have less access to the labour market than men. If they find a job, they often receive less pay for the same work. In addition, they often do a lot of unpaid work, like taking care of relatives. Women are particularly affected by economic crises, because they tend to lack social security. Gender inequality already starts in school, as girls do not have the same educational opportunities as boys internationally.

    Women's rights activists

    “We have taken several transnational corporations to court”

    When workers are exploited or indigenous land rights are threatened, feminist lawyer Alejandra Ancheita doesn’t hesitate to bring mining and energy giants to court. Her ProDESC initiative supports women from indigenous communities, migrants and factory workers.

    Violence against women

    Protect victims, prosecute perpetrators

    Violence against women takes many forms: from domestic violence to targeted rape in armed conflicts to social pressure in male-dominated societies. Child marriages are also part of it. They deprive girls and young women of the opportunity to shape their lives according to their own ideas. Gender-based violence increased during the Covid-19-pandemic. 

    Women's rights activists

    “We need to move beyond simply talking about FGM”

    A survivor of female genital mutilation living in the UK, Shamsa Araweelo spent years desperately seeking proper medical treatment. She became an advocate for survivors of violence – and is hugely successful on social media.

    Leading a self-determined life

    Being in control of one's own body

    In many parts of the world, menstruation is stigmatised and girls and women feel ashamed of it. Childlessness is also often considered a stigma. In addition, women often do not have access to maternal health or legal and safe abortion. Especially during conflicts and natural disasters, sexual and reproductive health is often overlooked. All of this prevents women from having control over their own bodies. In some countries, however, significant progress has been made, for example in abortion rights, and relevant programmes have been set up. 

    Beauty industry

    Natural skin products redefine Kenya’s quest for beauty

    A new wave of Kenyan entrepreneurs is transforming the beauty industry by promoting natural products and redefining beauty standards for a healthier future.

    Digital Monthly on women's resistance

    Digital Monthly on women's resistance

    Our Digital Monthly 2025/02 focuses on women's resistance and achievements around the world. Click on the title on the left to download the issue as a PDF free of charge.

     

    The contributions of our authors deal, among other things, with
    - the struggle and resistance of women in Afghanistan,
    - fighting domestic violence in Uzbekistan,
    - support of women from indigenous communities in Mexico,
    - the modern African women's movement,
    - the role of men in supporting feminism and
    - gender-based violence in the workplace in Tanzania.

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