Gender Justice

In recent years, feminist protest movements against sexism, violence, political discrimination and economic exploitation have drawn greater attention to the demand for gender justice on the African continent. In many places, women's movements are campaigning with human rights defenders and trade unions for inclusive democratic participation, peaceful conflict resolution and equitable economic development.

However, despite gender policy progress in some African countries, the continent scores worst in the United Nations Development Programme's Gender Inequality Index (2023 GII), with the rights and freedoms of women and minorities being restricted in many places by social, religious and legal norms. The climate crisis, violent conflicts, rapid changes in the world of work and an unequal global division of labour as well as exclusionary urbanisation are further exacerbating social and gender-related inequalities. The commitment to social democracy and participation on the African continent is therefore inextricably linked to advocacy for gender justice.

In this context, the FES supports the networking of feminist actors with each other and with political parties and trade unions. It offers spaces for exchange in order to develop common interest agendas and strengthens alliances that can represent these agendas in the political arena. The Gender Justice Competence Centre in Maputo/Mozambique also contributes to the further development of gender policy debates at regional and international level through publications, initiatives and projects together with its partners.

Here you can find further information on Gender Matters and the international gender justice work of the FES.