Global Unit for Feminism and Gender Democracy

The global rise of structural oppression and violence against women and LGBTIQ+, the strengthening of anti-gender networks and anti-feminist attitudes and the fragmentation of feminist movements are contemporary challenges. We analyse (patriarchal) gender and power relations, support spaces for action for a democratisation of gender relations and promote intersectional and international gender-political narratives. In doing so, we stand up for reproductive justice, strengthen feminist solidarities and coalitions and call for a feminist organisational and leadership culture.

Recent articles

Illustration: Multiple colorful hands reaching toward a glowing, multicolored sphere against a dark background.

Declaration on the Occasion of the 69th Commission on the Status of Women

Declaration

Eleven outstanding feminists from around the world, who where selected as 2025 Feminist Foreign and Development Policy Fellows, participated in the 69th Commission on the Status of Women at the UN Headquarters. Here they share their main considerations.

By Ruken Adin, Natasha Boshkova, Chim Channeang, Agustina Correa, Alinafe Irene Nonhlanhla Gama, Ouafa Haddiou, Lakshita Kanhiya, Gunel Madadli, Soumya Mishra, Sara Méndez Niebles and Olha Yashchenko

Illustration: A globe held by hands surrounded by plants and flames. The globe is wrapped in a banner reading "urgent solution."

Beyond the Cuts: How the Defunding Affects Feminist and Civil Society Organizations

Analysis

The rise of the far-right movement and recent shifts in global politics have led to significant cuts in foreign development assistance. What are the impacts on feminist and civil society organizations?

By Merima Šišić and Derya Binışık

Illustration: Roter Hintergrund mit mehreren schwarzen, ineinander verschachtelten Silhouetten von Gesichtern. Im Hintergrund steht „SPEAK OUT, SPEAK UP, REPEAT“.

Collective Responsibilities: A call for Critical Feminist Funding Literacy

Background

As human rights funding shrinks, feminist movements struggle to sustain their work while meeting donor demands. How can feminist funding literacy help organizations secure resources without compromising their mission?

By Miriam Mona Mukalazi

All articles on International Gender Policy & LGBTIQ+

Main focus areas

Global Feminist Pitch

Fact: LGBTIQ+ rights are human rights

Photo: A large protest with people raising their fists and holding signs. Some signs read "SILENCE IS VIOELENCE" and "SILENCE IS COMPLICITY." The crowd is dense.

Voices of Resistance

Feminist perspectives on global environmental justice

Identity Politics: What unites us

Queer Feminist Perspectives on Political Homophobia and Anti-Feminism

Bunte kopfhohe Umrisse von vielen Menschen

Gender Based Violence

Feminist Leadership

"No Women - No Peace: 20th Anniversary of UNSC Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security"

Reproductive Justice

40 Years CEDAW: The International Bill of Rights for Women

Feminist Development Policy #4: Funding beyond power differentials

E-Paper

This recommendation paper offers development practitioners and organisations some reflections to shift international development policy towards intersectional Feminist Global Collaboration.

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Cover of the publication "Feminist Development Policy: Knowledge as power"

Feminist Development Policy #2: Knowledge as Power

E-Paper

In this briefing, we will be looking at the topic of knowledge as power. There are four aspects of knowledge as power that we believe need to be addressed to achieve more Feminist Global Collaboration.

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Cover of the publication with an illustration of two persons hugging eachother in the background

A Feminist Development Policy #3: Intersectionality, gender & the economy

E-Paper

This recommendation paper explores how intersectionality as a tool can inform decision-making processes in international development policy.

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All publications on International Gender Policy & LGBTIQ+

Podcast

"Our Voices, our Choices"

The international gender-political podcast series of the Heinrich Böll Foundation. Here stories are told about women's and LGBTI human rights: people whose voice is not heard often and whose rights are restricted.

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