Accelerating Action for Gender Equality: GIZ Launches Bold New Gender Strategy on International Women’s Day 2025

On this International Women’s Day 2025, under the motto Accelerate Action, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH has taken a monumental step forward in the global fight for gender equality. GIZ has launched its new Gender Strategy, a comprehensive and ambitious framework designed to tackle the root causes of gender inequality, promote justice and inclusion, and empower women and girls worldwide. This strategy reaffirms GIZ’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5) and addresses the urgent need for transformative action in the face of rising challenges.

A Harsh Reality: Progress is Stalling

Despite decades of progress, the world is witnessing a troubling slowdown in the advancement of gender equality. Gender-based violence is on the rise, funding for gender initiatives is shrinking, and over 1 billion women and girls have faced significant setbacks in recent years, according to CARE. These challenges are exacerbated by global crises, including climate change, economic instability, and political conflicts, which disproportionately affect women and girls.

Yet, there is hope. Momentum for change is building. Eighty-nine percent of governments now prioritize ending gender-based violence, and 112 countries are actively engaging women in peace and security efforts, as reported by UN Women. These efforts underscore the growing recognition that gender equality is not just a moral imperative but a cornerstone of sustainable development and global stability.

GIZ’s New Gender Strategy: A Bold Commitment

GIZ’s new Gender Strategy is a response to these challenges and opportunities. It is a bold commitment to driving systemic change by addressing the structural barriers that perpetuate gender inequality. The strategy focuses on three key pillars:

1. Justice and Inclusion: Tackling the root causes of discrimination and ensuring that women and girls have equal access to opportunities, resources, and decision-making processes.
2. Transformation in Key Sectors: Driving gender-responsive approaches in critical areas such as climate action, digitalization, and energy. These sectors are not only essential for sustainable development but also historically male-dominated, making gender inclusion a transformative force.
3. Engaging Men and Boys as Allies: Recognizing that achieving gender equality requires the active participation of all members of society, the strategy emphasizes the role of men and boys as allies in breaking down harmful stereotypes and power structures.

Innovative Initiatives Leading the Way

The strategy is already being put into action through innovative projects that demonstrate GIZ’s commitment to gender equality. One such initiative is Women Mobilize Women, which aims to build more feminist transport and mobility systems in cities. By empowering women as both workers and users of these systems, the project uses a data-driven approach to create inclusive and equitable urban spaces.

In the energy sector, traditionally dominated by men, women are breaking up entrenched power structures. A recent study by H2-diplo, titled Challenging Entrenched Power Structures in the Energy Sector – Feminist Foreign Policy as a Key to a Just Transition, explores how structural inequalities persist within energy systems and how Feminist Foreign Policy can drive a more equitable transition. The study, available for download here, provides valuable insights into the intersection of gender and energy justice.

A Call to Action: Uniting for Gender Equality

The launch of GIZ’s Gender Strategy comes at a critical time. In an era of budget freezes and funding cuts, the international community must not let gender equality fall off the agenda. GIZ is calling on governments, organizations, and individuals to unite and push forward with renewed urgency. As the strategy emphasizes, we are stronger when we work together.

This International Women’s Day also offers an opportunity to celebrate the unwavering commitment of GIZ’s Gender Ambassador Martha Gutierrez, Gender Commissioner Irene Genzmer, and the over 300 Gender Focal Points worldwide. Their dedication to advancing gender equality within GIZ and beyond is a testament to the power of collective action.

Join the Movement

GIZ’s Gender Strategy is now available in four languages, making it accessible to a global audience:

• English: Download here
• German: Download here
• French: Download here
• Spanish: Download here

As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, let us recommit to accelerating action for gender equality. Together, we can create a world where justice, inclusion, and empowerment are not just ideals but realities for all.