Women in development cooperation and peacebuilding: Switzerland reaffirms its commitment
In response to postulate 21.3122 (Friedl), the Federal Council has published a report outlining Switzerland's efforts to promote gender equality in development cooperation and peacebuilding. The report outlines the priorities and activities of the SDC, SECO and the Peace and Human Rights Division (PHRD) as well as the associated challenges.
In accordance with the Federal Act on Gender Equality and the National Gender Equality Strategy 2030, Switzerland is also committed to gender equality and women's rights in its foreign policy. This is also reflected in the Foreign Policy Strategy 2024-2027, the FDFA Strategy on Gender Equality and Women's Rights and the International Cooperation Strategy 2025-2028.
Priorities and measures in the area of international cooperation
Gender equality is therefore an important basis for Swiss development cooperation and peacebuilding. Specific priority areas are: economic and political empowerment of women, their involvement in peacebuilding, combating gender-based violence and sexual and reproductive health.
The report illustrates Switzerland's activities with many project examples from the SDC, SECO and PHRD: financial inclusion of women entrepreneurs in the Middle East and North Africa, strengthening women's land rights in Mali, supporting the political participation of women in Georgia and promoting networks of women peace activists in Lebanon. Switzerland also contributes its interests at multilateral level, including through its seat on the UN Security Council (2023-2024), the UN Human Rights Council and in discussions with other donors at the OECD to promote international gender equality standards.
In a global context characterised by conflicts, climate crises and economic inequalities, women and girls are often the hardest hit. The Federal Council recalls that their full participation is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Commitment to gender equality also makes economic sense: according to private sector estimates, gender inequality costs the global economy around USD 28 trillion. Western Europe could increase its GDP by around USD 2 trillion with more consistent gender equality.
Resources for equality
Between 2021 and 2024, around 69% of SDC, SECO and AFM expenditure was channelled into projects in which gender equality was a primary or secondary objective. The SDC had set itself an ambitious target for the 2021-2024 period: at least 8% of projects should have gender equality as a main objective and 85% of projects should address the issue. This target and Switzerland's commitment to gender equality were reconfirmed for the 2025-2028 strategy period.
Outlook
Switzerland will therefore continue its commitment to women's rights and gender equality through various projects and programmes on the ground as well as by supporting initiatives and partnerships. In this context, partnerships will also be launched for the first time in the area of preventing sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment - a form of gender-based violence - in addition to other new partnerships at global level, particularly with women's rights organisations.
Links
Documents
Contact
Eichenweg 5
3003 Bern