Germany’s development ministry unveiled a new feminist development policy this month that could trigger a realignment of the ministry’s funding portfolio. The new strategy includes a commitment that 93% of all new project funding go toward initiatives that have at least a secondary focus on gender by 2025. In 2021, that total was only 64%.
At least 8% of all new project funding must be used for projects that have a primary goal of achieving gender equality.
The new policy echoes Sweden’s now-abandoned feminist foreign policy in its focus on helping women and girls realize their rights, utilize resources, and improve representation. And it delivers on a promise that German Development Minister Svenja Schulze made soon after taking office in December 2021.