For the Heinrich Böll Foundation, gender democracy means that patriarchal structures and power relations in private and public spheres are overcome; that social positions (work, income, power etc.) are conveyed by ability and not by virtue of gender; that a diversity of models and concepts of life are recognized as equally valuable and legitimate; and that a variety of gender identities and orientations are recognized, legally and by the society.
Thus, gender democracy is not only merely about "women's rights" or the empowerment of women in society, but encompasses a much wider vision of equality between the sexes, in areas both public and private.
For several years now, the Gender Forum, organised by the Heinrich Böll Foundation's regional office in Nairobi, regularly brings up the gender perspective into ongoing political debates in Kenya. We initiate and disseminate studies that provide a "gender lens" to policy issues such as government budgeting and the use of devolved funds (such as the Constituency Development Fund - CDF). Our programme supports the organisations working on the problem of violence against women; this includes a "men-to-men" network of male activists lobbying against gender-based violence and providing support services for violence victims. The Foundation also supports women's organisations in South-Central Somalia and Somaliland that work on strengthening the role of women in on-going political and peace processes.
- Kenya's politics remains dominated by men, even more than in most neighbouring countries. HBF Nairobi supports women aspiring for political positions and the development of gender-sensitive policies. more»
Somalia: With a Little Bit of Cunning Towards the Quota – - Asha Hagi of "Save Somali Women and Children" and the members of the Somali Women's Political Caucus participate in the country's difficult negotiations for peace. more»
Somaliland: From Zero to Two – - With more than a decade of support by HBF, NAGAAD Umbrella Organisation has become the most important voice of women in Somaliland. more»
- Gender policy, feminist analyses, and feminist discourses have held a firm place in the Heinrich Böll Foundation since its very beginning. Along with ecology and democracy, they are a key focus of our work in Germany and abroad, and a guiding principle for both the Foundation’s promotion of research and its own organizational structure. Even more than our work within Germany, our work abroad is guided by the need to address a diversity of ways of life and forms of work, and a plurality of political cultures and strategies. more»
Gender Mainstreaming – Possibilities and Limits of a Radical Social Concept – - Gender mainstreaming is, at its core, a radical socio-political concept for achieving gender equality and equal opportunity. Barbara Unmüßig explores its advance – and the difficulties encountered. more»