Glossary
Results 21 to 30 of 69
F
- Feminism
The BMZ recognises that a single concept of feminism does not exist. Feminist trends and movements have always been, and still are, diverse and dynamic and have pursued various approaches and objectives. One thing is clear, however: feminism is by no means an “invention” of the West, nor does it merely offer a white, Eurocentric perspective. The feminist theories and movements which have evolved across the world over the last 200 years and more have taken diverse forms, depending on their historical and social context. This diversity of feminist movements is reflected in their different definitions of feminism. In one context, ethnicity has been foregrounded to a greater extent alongside gender (e.g. Black feminism); in another, the emphasis is on religion or class (e. g. socialist feminism). One form of feminism puts sexual and reproductive health and rights front and centre, while others focus to a greater extent on advocacy for women’s equal participation in economic or political life. The common feature of all forms of feminism, however, is their opposition to discrimination and oppression and their commitment to gender-equitable power relations.
- Feminist civil society
Civil society refers to all forms of citizen engagement within a country, e.g. in clubs, associations, diverse initiatives and social movements. Located at the interface between the state, economic and private sectors, it encompasses all activities that are not profit-oriented and are independent of party-political interests. The term “feminist civil society” refers to the part of civil society that works on issues such as peace, justice, anti-discrimination, gender equality, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), LGBTQI+ rights and anti-racism and advocates for equal rights for everyone.
- FGM
Female Genital Mutilation
- Financial Inclusion
Financial inclusion means that individuals and businesses have access to useful and affordable financial products and services that meet their needs and are delivered in a responsible and sustainable way.
G
- GBV
Gender-based violence (GBV) refers to harmful acts of violence that are directed at an individual based on their gender. GBV is a widespread everyday occurrence across all sectors of society. It is a serious human rights violation and a barrier to development. Women and girls in all their diversity are disproportionately (but not exclusively) affected. The term indicates that violence is rooted in the unequal power relations between the genders, in harmful gender norms and in the resulting experiences of structural discrimination and violence. GBV takes many forms, ranging from sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) to digital violence, harmful practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM), child, early or forced marriage, conflict-related sexual violence, and social or structural violence. SGBV occurs in many contexts and means sexual acts that are primarily about power and oppression rather than sexual satisfaction and are imposed or forced on someone against their will or without their consent. Sexual violence covers a broad spectrum and includes sexual harassment, rape and sexual abuse.
- GDP
Gross Domestic Product
- Gender
Gender draws attention to the social implications of gender identity and to the gendered relationships that are influenced by culture and society. The term describes how attributions, behaviours, expectations, attitudes and norms are associated with a specific gender identity. Gender is therefore distinct from sex. It is constructed by society and is therefore context-dependent and capable of change.
- Gender Digital Divide
The gender digital divide refers to the gender divide in access to and use of digital technologies. It is particularly large in low- and middle-income countries: here, 264 million fewer women than men use mobile internet. The digital gender gap does not only affect access and use; it also extends into the areas of digital skills, employment and entrepreneurship in the digital industry.
- Gender equality
Gender equality is a key pillar of sustainable development – economic, social and environmental. Gender equality – beyond (theoretical) equal treatment in law – must be understood as a political process. It aims to ensure that people’s diverse interests, needs and priorities are taken into account so that equal treatment is realised in practice. This means that everyone is able to assert their rights, perform their duties and access opportunities on an equal basis. It is about eliminating deep-rooted forms of gender-specific discrimination and enabling political, economic and social participation by all genders based on equal rights.
- Gender identity
Gender identity is the profound, innate and personal conception of oneself as belonging to one gender, several or none. This perceived gender may or may not correlate with the sex assigned at birth. Female, male, trans, non-binary, inter and queer are examples of gender identity.